THE UST Growling Tigers suffered another close defeat in the 2025 Asiabasket International Invitational, this time losing to the San Beda Red Lions, 87-84, on Monday, July 21, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
With the loss, UST dropped to a 0-2 record, while San Beda remained unbeaten with a 2-0 slate.
The España-based squad leaned on winger Mark Llemit’s hot shooting to start the game, gaining a 22-11 lead midway through the opening frame.
Red Lions Yuki Andrada and Penny Estacio responded with triples to cut UST’s lead to six at the end of the first quarter, 29-23.
San Beda continued its offensive onslaught in the second salvo with an 11-1 blitz, which was capped off by a layup from Lawrence Hawkins, 34-30.
The Tigers, who were without co-captains Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero, only had nine points in the second frame to trail 45-38 at halftime.
UST opened the second half strong, as Llemit and Gelo Crisostomo’s baskets ignited a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 48-45.
Key threes from Andrada and Bryan Sajonia kept San Beda at bay, as they nursed a slim 61-60 advantage to close the third period.
Early in the fourth quarter, Llemit was forced to exit the match after being called for his fifth foul. But baskets from Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido gave the Tigers a 78-74 lead before crunch time.
During an 84-all deadlock, Sajonia drilled a stepback three with 15 ticks left on the clock to put the Red Lions on top. Tiger guard Kyle Paranada had a chance to send it to overtime, but failed to convert.
Andrada steered San Beda to victory with 24 points, including five rebounds and six threes. Sajonia added 18 markers, seven rebounds and an assist.
Llemit once again led UST in the scoring column with 21 points, while Acido and Akowe chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The Tigers will look to close the elimination round with a win as they face Lakas California on Tuesday, July 22, at the same venue. F
