THE UST Tiger Cubs blew an 11-point lead against the Nazareth School of National University Bullpups, 59-72, in the UAAP Season 79 juniors’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Saturday.
UST had the upper hand in the third period with a 41-30 lead until NU scored 12 straight points to take the driver’s seat, 42-41.
NU pushed its lead to 11 points with 4:53 remaining in the game before Paul Manalang sealed the win with back-to-back triples.
“Nag-zone bigla (sila) kasi nga hindi kaya ng NU na mag-man-to-man. Hindi tayo nakabutas sa zone nila,” head coach Chris Cantonjos told the Varsitarian.
The Bullpups dominated the boards with 52 rebounds, almost doubling UST’s rebounding output of 28.
John Clemente paced NU with 19 points and 13 rebounds while Rhayyan Amsali had 12 points and 10 boards. Karl Perano and Manalang added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
CJ Cansino scored 21 points and seven boards for UST.
The Tiger Cubs (4-8) now face the possibility of missing the Final Four.
But a protest against the Adamson University Baby Falcons, who allegedly fielded ineligible players in their roster, may boost UST’s chances of entering the semis.
“We’re waiting kung anong mangyayari sa protest against Adamson. Right now, sinasabi ko sa mga players na wag mag-expect ng protest at intindihin lang nila ang manalo nang manalo [ng mga games],” Cantonjos added.
The Tiger Cubs will face Adamson on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m., at the same venue.
