THE NATIONAL University Bulldogs used a late run to upend the UST Growling Tigers, 94-84, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday.
Jordan Sta. Ana’s contested layup with 2:04 minutes remaining pulled UST to within three, 84-87, before NU responded with a 7-0 run.
The Tigers ended the third period on a 12-5 run to turn an eight-point deficit into a 73-70 lead heading into the fourth.
“Turnovers lang talaga [problema]. Kailangang mabawasan na namin ‘yung turnovers,” UST team captain Marvin Lee told the Varsitarian.
The Bulldogs scored 23 points off UST’s 29 turnovers.
NU improved to a win-loss 2-1 record while the Tigers remained winless in three games.
Issa Gaye led NU with 17 points and 13 rebounds, including nine offensive. Jayjay Alejandro III flirted with a triple-double with 12 markers, 10 boards and eight assists.
Regie Basibas had 23 markers and eight rebounds to pace UST while Jordan Sta. Ana chipped in 14. Both Tigers fouled out midway in the payoff period.
UST’s starting five combined for only 19 points.
Up next for the Tigers will be Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sept. 23, Saturday, 2 p.m., at the same venue.
