THE UST Tiger Cubs survived the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws in overtime, 82-79, in the UAAP Season 80 boys’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
Tiger Cub John Lina’s putback off a Rayjhun Baquial miss with 20.5 ticks left in OT sealed the win for UST.
The Cubs started the extra period on a 7-0 burst before FEU retaliated with a 6-0 run to close the gap, 80-79.
Two crucial turnovers by UST that led to four fastbreak points in the waning seconds of the fourth frame allowed FEU to force the game into overtime, 73-73.
“Nakita natin ‘yung composure ng mga bata noong umabot nang ganoong extension game, hindi na sila nape-pressure,” UST head coach Chris Cantonjos said.
CJ Cansino led UST with 29 points and 11 boards while Kobe Palencia added 16 markers.
The Tiger Cubs went 27-for-35 from the stripe.
RJ Abarrientos had 16 points, seven rebounds and six dimes for FEU.
UST will go against the Ateneo De Manila Blue Eaglets on Dec. 3, Sunday, 9 a.m., at the Blue Eagle Gym.