The Tiger Cubs rained triples in the last four minutes of the game as UST overcame a 13-point lead to eliminate defending champion Far Eastern University, 81-80, in their UAAP stepladder semifinals at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym Saturday.
UST uncorked a 14-0 run, including four treys, to overcome a 13-point deficit and take an 80-79 lead.
Kobe Palencia capped UST’s improbable comeback sinking one of two freethrows with 8.3 seconds left.
Royce Alforque missed a three-pointer off an FEU timeout.
“[The Cubs] really wanted the victory,” UST coach Chris Cantonjos said in Filipino.
MVP CJ Cansino led UST with 18 points and 16 rebounds while Rayjhun Baquial chalked up 14 markers. Three other Tiger Cubs tallied double digits.
RJ Abarrientos paced FEU with 24 points.
The Tiger Cubs will face Nazareth School of National University Bullpups, who enjoy a twice-to-beat edge, on Feb. 20.
