THE UST Tiger Cubs crumbled in the fourth quarter and lost to the FEU Baby Tamaraws, 81-77, in the 4th PCABL Smart Invitational Tournament at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy Gym Sunday.
UST took the lead heading into the final frame before the Baby Tamaraws uncorked a 7-0 run to take a 57-62 lead.
Tiger Cub CJ Balingit led a late rally before FEU’s LJ Gonzales scored on a layup to keep UST at bay, 78-71, with 1:02 remaining in the game.
A late 7-2 UST run closed the gap to three with 11 seconds to go, but Baby Tamaraw RJ Abarrientos iced the game with a freethrow.
“Nawala sa atin ‘yung execution. Kumbaga, nag kanya-kanya sila. Gustong makabawi, pero ang problema, the more na nagmamadali, the more na may error kami,” UST coach Chris Cantonjos told the Varsitarian.
Gonzales had 18 markers and 5 assists to lead FEU while Abarrientos had 17 points.
Balingit paced the Tiger Cubs with 16 points and three rebounds while Paulo Hernandez added 13.
The Tiger Cubs will look to bouce back against the University of the East Junior Warriors on Aug. 19.
