THE UST Growling Tigers escaped the JRU Heavy Bombers in double overtime, 97-92, in the semifinals of the Asiabasket NSAC World Invitationals, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, on Aug. 15, Saturday.
Collins Akowe dominated the paint with 33 points and 22 boards, followed by Amiel Acido and rookie Landyn Jumawan with 17 and 15, respectively.
“We need to stay composed, we need to get enough rest, get enough with our break, come back tomorrow and do what we got to do’ for tomorrow’s finals game,” Akowe told The Flame.
The Tigers kept the game close through the first three quarters but found themselves trailing after JRU unleashed an 11-0 run to start the fourth, stretching its lead to 67-78.
UST answered with an 11-0 run of its own in the closing minute, capped by consecutive free throws from Mark Llemit and Kirk Cañete to knot the game at 78-all with 19 seconds left.
JRU’s Lawrence Mangubat then missed his attempt in the dying seconds, sending the game into overtime.
The Bombers’ efforts set a lead in the first few minutes of overtime, but Akowe’s slam dunk and free throws pushed UST to catch up in an 83-all game, leading to another overtime.
Timely buckets from Llemit, Cañete and Akowe maintained the Growling Tigers’ lead in the second overtime. Four consecutive free throws and a three-pointer by Jumawan sealed the deal for the Tigers.
Mangubat led JRU with 26 points, followed by Chris Hubilla who notched 16.
The Tigers will seek another NSAC Fighting Eagles Nagoya match, at the same venue on Sunday, Aug. 16. F
