THE UST Tiger Cubs yielded to defending champion Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets, 61-74, in the UAAP Season 81 boys’ basketball tournament opener at the Blue Eagle Gym Sunday.
The Blue Eaglets uncorked an 8-2 run halfway through the payoff period, capped by 7’2″ Kai Sotto’s and-one at the 1:08 mark to ice the game, 73-57.
“Na-execute naman ‘yong game plan namin, sadyang outrebounded lang kami ng bigmen ng Ateneo,” UST assistant coach Juan Miguel Martin told the Varsitarian.
With Ateneo threatening to pull away in the third frame, the Tiger Cubs delivered nine unanswered points to remain in striking distance, 47-53.
The Blue Eaglets’ height made the difference and had a 44-32 advantage in paint points.
Ateneo also notched 64 rebounds against UST’s 41.
Sotto led the Blue Eaglets with 24 points, 13 boards and four blocks while Geo Chiu chipped in 15 markers and nine rebounds.
Rookie Mark Nonoy had 31 points, six boards, five assists and five steals in his debut for UST.
The Tiger Cubs will try to get their first win against the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Fighting Maroons on Nov. 18, Sunday, 11 a.m., at the same venue.
