BRENT Paraiso sank two clutch freethrows with 8.3 ticks left in the game to lift the UST Growling Tigers past the National University Bulldogs, 82-79, in the University and College Basketball League at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy Sunday.
With four seconds left, Bulldog Ron Lastimosa’s potential game-tying trey fell short as UST improved to third place with a 5-4 win-loss record.
Only eight players from the original 16-man lineup in the league suited up for UST due to injuries.
Growling Tigers assistant coach Bonnie Garcia said the lack of players took its toll in the end game but still lauded his wards for delivering down the stretch.
The Bulldogs trimmed an 11-point deficit after unloading a 7-0 run capped by Joshua Flores’ three-pointer to gain momentum, 71-75.
Sherwin Concepcion led the Tigers with 24 points while Renze Abando and Paraiso chalked up 20 and 16 markers, respectively.
Nico Abatayo paced NU with 25 points while three other Bulldogs scored in double digits.
UST will next face the Diliman College on June 6, Wednesday, 1:15 p.m., at the same venue.
