DESPITE THEIR late rally, the UST Growling Tigers fell short to league-best DLSU Green Archers in overtime, 94-87, in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball eliminations on Wednesday, Oct 16.
The defending champions outgunned the Tigers in the extra period, 14-7, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, DLSU remained the top seed with an 8-1 record. It was also the Archers’ 16th straight win against the Tigers, who slipped to a 4-5 win-loss standing.
The Archers came out firing on all cylinders with a 14-0 start led by MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao. King Tiger Nic Cabañero helped UST dig out the hole through his jumpers and penetrations, but his team still trailed behind the reigning champions during the end of the opening frame, 27-14.
The second salvo saw DLSU big man Raven Gonzales giving quality minutes down low to bring the lead to 20 points, 40-20. UST guards Forthsky Padrigao and Mark Llemit hit two consecutive triples to halt the hot streak of the Archers, ending the first half with a 13-point deficit, 42-29.
The España squad shaved down the Taft-based squads’s lead into single digit after Migs Pangilinan and Cabañero stepped up by hitting timely shots, 65-56.
In the fourth quarter, UST foreign student-athlete Tounkara was thrown out of the game for taunting. But the Tigers were undeterred, even managing to close the gap to just one point, 80-79.
An unsportsmanlike foul by Green Archer Mike Philips with 24 seconds left in the clock, sent Padrigao to the free throw line and handed the Tigers the next possession.
The playmaker split his freebies to tie the game, 80-all. Padrigao then missed the potential game-winner, bringing the game to overtime.
DLSU showcased its title pedigree in the extra period, denying UST the opportunity to steal the match.
Reigning MVP Quiambao showed out for the Green Archers with career-high 29 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Meanwhile, big man Philips chalked up a 16-point and 13-rebound double-double.
Cabañero led UST with 23 points, 12 boards and three assists. Padrigao contributed 15 markers, three rebounds and a couple of dimes while Tounkara added 14 points and eight boards.
The Tigers will try to end their slump when they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, Oct. 20, at their homecourt UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. F – Brent Richmond Angelo Sagre
