UST prevails over Letran in Pinoyliga Cup

It was an instant classic ball game as the UST Growling Tigers prevailed over the Letran Knights, 88-87 in the Pinoyliga Cup Inter-Alumni 40 and up Division.

Romel David saved the Growling Tigers by successfully converting a 4-point play as the timer expired.

Letran off to a good start and build a lead as high as 15 after a Jay Valdez basket at the 2:41 minute of the 1st quarter. However, UST slowly clawed their way back and tied the ball game midway through the 2nd quarter as Derrick Hubalde made two free throws.

It was a tight game from there on as both squads exchange baskets and both relied on their defense as keys to win the game.

CSJL recorded 7 blocks and 10 steals while UST recorded 13 steals and forced Letran to 26 turnovers.

Derrick Hubalde made a 3-pointer at the 2:32 mark of the decision quarter to take the lead 82-79.

It was answered by former PBA MVP Willie Miller as he made 2 crucial threes to take a 1 point lead in the last 2 minutes of the game. However, Ronjay Enrile squandered a golden chance for them to take 3 point lead by missing two free throws.

Knights didn't slow down as Big Mac blocks a shot from a Thomasian which then resulted in a Floirendo 2 points on the other end that gave them a 3-point lead, 87-84.

The Growling Tigers kept their hopes as Romel David got fouled while sinking a three to tie the game up.  He made the clutch free throw for UST to take home the win.

Best Player of the Game Jojo Duncil took over on both ends of the floor having 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. Tigers' savior Romel David scored game-high 19 points, Rob Sanz with 16 shooting 50% from the field. Derrick Hubalde and Allen Javier scored 13 points and 10 points respectively.

Their dynamic ex-pro trio led Letran. Mark Andaya finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double performance. Willie Miller also scored 18 points with only 1 turnover. Ronjay Enrile made 11 and dished out 9 assists.

The Scores:

UST 88 – David 19, Sanz 16, Duncil 15, Hubalde 13, Javier 10, Agleron 6, Cantonjos 6, Kaw 2, Roxas 1

Letran – Andaya 18, Miller 18, Enrile 11, Floirendo 8, Salang 6, Valdes 6, Coner 3, Justinani 3, Manuel 3, Quinday 3, Cruz 2, Evidente 2, Dichoso 2, Malik 2