Tigers finally win in disastrous UAAP season

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THE UST Growling Tigers averted a winless season by notching their first victory on their final game of the season against the UE Red Warriors, 88-85, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Oliver De Guzman sank two freebies to seal the game after JC Cullar’s layup pulled UE to within one with four seconds left, 86-85.

The Tigers ended their 17-game losing streak dating back to last season and finished with a 1-13 win-loss record.

The last time UST won was against the National University on Oct. 15, 2016.

“Siyempre masaya [ako] kasi hindi kami na 0 [wins] and at the same time heto ‘yung part ng rebuilding process namin,” head coach Rodil “Boy” Sablan said.

Team captain Marvin Lee said the win felt as if they won a championship game.

“Masarap ‘yung feeling na nanalo. Parang nag-champion na kami pagdating doon…’yung mga nangyari samin [sana] maging aral sa amin at inspiration para sa next season,” he said.

Five Tigers scored in double-figures led by Reggie Basibas’ 21 points, nine rebounds and three steals while Steve Akomo hauled 18 markers and 20 boards.

Lee, Eric Caunan and Christian Garcia also combined for 35 points.

The Tigers uncorked a late run in the first half to take an 11-point lead before UE surged back to cut the deficit to four, 43-39.

UST enjoyed an early 23-9 lead in the first quarter to gain the biggest margin at 14.

Alvin Pasaol paced UE with 18 markers and five steals while three other Warriors scored in double-digits.

The Tigers will remain intact with only big man Jeepy Faundo leaving the team after exhausting his playing years.

1 COMMENT

  1. GO USTE pa din. Next season this UST squad will reach the peak of maturity and whoever handles this team will be lucky.
    I just hope that these players will be handled by the proper staff.
    God forbid that UST will fall prey to people who do not have the best interest of the University in mind.

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