THE UST Tiger Cubs’ four-game winning streak came to a halt after a 65-74 loss from reigning NCAA juniors champions Mapua-Malayan Red Robins in the 11th Filoil Flying V Premier Preseason Cup at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
Down by as much as 17, the Tigers Cubs cut the deficit to nine behind an 8-0 run, 60-69, with 1:22 left. Mapua’s Mike Enriquez buried two free throws with 49.5 seconds remaining to put the game away.
“Alam naman natin na former NC[AA] champions ‘yung kalaban natin kaya medyo nangilala lang ‘yung mga players natin. At the end naman, lumaban pa rin tayo,” said UST head coach Chris Cantojos.
Enriquez paced the Red Robins with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists while Will Gozum and Joseph Penaredondo chipped in nine markers apiece.
Vince Dolendo tallied 14 points, five rebounds and two assists for the Tigers while Rafael Biag, Paolo Hernandez and Benedict Co combined for 32 markers.
Both teams are tied with a 4-1 win-loss slate but UST landed on second place and will face Bracket A’s top seed on June 23, 11:15 a.m., at the same venue.
