UST denies late UE rally for second straight victory

PHOTO CREDIT: UAAP Season 89 Media Team

University of Santo Tomas escaped a late University of the East comeback, 98-87, to claim its second straight victory in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, September 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UST set the tone early, taking a 19-14 lead after the opening quarter before building a 19-point advantage in the second. Mark Llemit scored 17 points in the first half as the Growling Tigers entered halftime with a 52-33 advantage.

The Tigers stretched their lead to 23, 61-38, in the third quarter but UE slowly began their fightback. The Red Warriors continued their push into the final frame, cutting UST’s advantage to 14, 75-61.

UE came within six, 89-83, in the fourth via back-to-back triples from Toper Lagat and Gene Carillo, putting pressure on the Tigers late in the game. Llemit and Collins Akowe took over in the end and delivered timely baskets to keep UST in front.

UST head coach Pido Jarencio credited his team for staying composed as the Red Warriors mounted their late push. “Kami naman, at least steady in the end. We got that win. As long as we get that W, basta manalo, okay lang yan,” Jarencio said.

Llemit finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists. Amiel Acido added 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Akowe posted 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Toper Lagat led UE with 22 points, while Mo Tañedo added 16 and Cruz-Dumont had 12.

UST improved to 2-1, while UE remained winless at 0-4. UST next faces Ateneo on October 4, while UE takes on FEU on October 5.

The Scores:

UST 98 - Llemit 22, Akowe 14, Acido 16, Jumawan 13, Buenaflor 8, Chio 6, Canete 5, Danting 4, Manding 3, Esteban 3, Porter 2, Bucsit 2, Alao 0, Sevilla 0

UE 87 - Lagat 22, Tanedo 16, Cruz-Dumont 12, Carillo 10, Robles 7, Edouku 4, Santos 4, Jimenes 4, Sabroso 3, Vazquez 3, Mascarinas 2, Dungca 0

Quarterscores: 24-19, 52-33, 73-61, 98-87