26 July 2014, 6:17 p.m. – RESERVE forward Kent Lao sank the game-winning freethrow with 1.1 seconds left as the Tigers sneaked past the Adamson Falcons, 50-49, in their UAAP men’s basketball showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
Lao made up for three straight charities against the struggling Falcons, who lost their third consecutive game.
“Disappointed ako dun sa mga (shots) na na-miss ko,” Lao said after coming off his second crucial performance for the Growling Tigers in as many games.
With 1:57 left in the game, forward Kevin Ferrer hit two freethrows to tie the game at 49.
UST head coach Bong dela Cruz credited Adamson’s defense and vowed that the Tigers would play better against the UP Maroons at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 2.
Returning forward Louie Vigil topscored for the Tigers with 11 points while the trio of Karim Abdul, Aljon Mariano and Ferrer combined for 26.
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BOX SCORES
UST 50 – Vigil 11, Ferrer 10, Abdul 8, Mariano 7, Lao 4, Sheriff 4, Gayosa 2, Lo 2, Subido 2, Dela Cruz 0, Macasaet 0, Pe 0, Sablan 0
AdU 49 – Pedrosa 10, Nalos 9, Iñigo 7, Rios 6, Villanueva 5, Ochea 4, Aquino 3, Montecarlo 3, Baytan 2, Butron 2
Quarter scores: 13-17, 27-32, 40-45, 50-49
it was an ugly win. everything was going wrong for the tigers, and everything was going right for adamson. however, the growling tigers exemplified thomasian resiliency. against all adversities, the tigers dug deep into their well of experience to turn a losing situation into a golden victory! a win is a win and we, as usual, thank and acknowledge God’s unending grace for this hard earned victory! go uste, viva santo tomas.