THE University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Fighting Maroons came back from 13 points down and sneaked pass the UST Tiger Cubs, 91-87, in the UAAP Season 80 boys’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
The Tiger Cubs absorbed their second-straight loss and dropped to fourth seed with a 5-4 win-loss card.
UST led 72-59 in the fourth quarter when the Junior Fighting Maroons ignited a 20-6 run to take the lead, capped by Matt Santiago’s layup with 5:02 remaining.
UPIS’ Rafael Labao sank a triple with 28 seconds remaining to take an 89-84 lead, but the Tiger Cubs answered back.
Junior Maroon King Vergeire turned the ball over with 18.7 seconds remaining but UST’s CJ Cansino missed a potential game-winning trey.
“Sinabi ko sa mga players, kalaban natin against UP is overconfidence. Noong lumamang tayo ng 13 points, nag-lie low tayo especially sa defense,” UST coach Chris Cantonjos said.
Santiago iced the game after sinking two free throws with 5.2 ticks left.
The Junior Fighting Maroons converted 24 easy points off UST’s 28 turnovers.
Labao led UP with 17 points while Santiago and Joelo Tupaz had 14 markers apiece.
Cansino had another double-double with 29 markers and 18 boards.
The Tiger Cubs will try to snap their losing skid against the Nazareth School of National University Bullpups on Jan. 20, Saturday, 11 a.m., at the same venue.
