THE UST Growling Tigers dropped to a 1-5 win-loss record after faltering against the Far Eastern University, 86-82, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup at The Arena in San Juan Friday.
Tiger CJ Cansino nailed a triple with 47.3 ticks left to cut the lead to three, but made a crucial turnover in the ensuing play.
“We are optimistic but at the same time realistic. Optimistic kasi nag-i-improve lahat, but realistic na alam namin na kulang pa,” UST head coach Aldin Ayo told the Varsitarian.
The Tigers used a 12-2 run in the third to trim a once-15-point deficit to five, 60-65. FEU countered with a 6-0 spurt to push the lead back to double-digits.
Joseph Nunag topscored for FEU with 16 points, 12 coming from the third frame.
Cansino, Zachary Huang and Kenneth Zamora combined for 59 markers for UST.
Tigers Enrique Caunan and Renzo Subido did not play due to foot and ankle injuries, respectively.
The Growling Tigers will face the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on June 1, Friday, 12:30 p.m., at the same venue.
