THE UST Growling Tigers failed to close out against the NU Bulldogs, 96-84, in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 13, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
UST’s chances of entering its first-ever finals were dashed by NU’s relentless defense in the closing stages.
The España based-squad will face either DLSU or UP in the bronze medal match set for Wednesday, July 16, at the same venue.
Big man Gelo Crisostomo anchored UST’s scoring with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Nic Cabañero added 14 markers and four boards.
The Tigers stormed to a 10-0 run to open the match, but the Bulldogs barked back with a steady rally to end the first quarter within striking distance, 28-22.
Crisostomo and Cabañero combined for 19 points in the second frame to restore a 53-43 cushion by halftime.
Bulldog star Jake Figueroa caught fire in the third period, pouring in 15 consecutive points to mount a comeback for his team, 70-68.
Reynard Jumamoy then capped the quarter with a trey to extend the Jhocson-based squad’s advantage 77-71 heading into the final quarter.
In the last five minutes, NU extinguished UST’s firepower and surged to a 91-78 lead.
The Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas to complete a 26-point turnaround.
Figueroa spearheaded the NU with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Gelo Santiago and Omar John added 13 and 11 markers, respectively. F – Kurt Andre Trinidad
