THE UST Growling Tigers fell to the NU Bulldogs, 85-87, in heartbreaking fashion in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
One-and-done Landyn Jumawan erupted for 22 points and came up big in overtime. But NU captain Reinhard Jumamoy crushed UST’s comeback hopes with a buzzer-beating triple to seal the Bulldogs’ victory.
The defeat sent UST tumbling to seventh in the standings with a 2-3 win-loss record after back-to-back losses.
Mark Llemit finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Amiel Acido chipped in 20 points and nine boards in the team’s valiant effort.
UST stumbled out of the gates as NU started with a 15-2 run before Acido stopped the bleeding with two free throws to close the first quarter, 23-15.
The España-based squad continued to struggle offensively in the second frame, shooting just 26% from the field and knocking down only one triple to trail 41-27 at halftime.
UST remained cold from beyond the arc and failed to cut into NU’s double-digit cushion in the third quarter, trailing 64-51 heading into the final frame.
The Tigers mounted a spirited fightback midway through the fourth quarter as Llemit and Acido knocked down timely baskets to bring UST within four, 66-62.
Acido drilled a crucial triple with the last minute remaining to keep UST within striking distance, 77-74, before Llemit split his free throws with 44 seconds left to make it a one-possession game, 77-75.
After an NU turnover, Llemit held his nerve at the line, sinking both free throws to erase the Bulldogs’ lead and force overtime at 77-all.
Jumawan came alive in the extra period, draining back-to-back triples to hand UST an 83-82 lead.
Jumawan split his next trip to the line, but Kirk Cañete missed a chance to extend the lead in the charity stripe with 12 seconds left as the Tigers stayed ahead, 85-84.
However, Jumamoy delivered the final blow, drilling a buzzer beater trey from way downtown on NU’s last possession to snatch the victory.
Jumamoy led the Bulldogs with 19 points, while PJ Palacielo added 16 markers.
The Growling Tigers will look to return to the win column against the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. F
