THE UST Growling Tigers crashed out of semifinals contention after yielding to the Family Mart-Enderun Titans, 74-81, in the Philppine Basketball Association Developmental League at the Jesus Christ Saves Global Organization in Cubao Thursday.
The loss effectively booted UST out of the running for the last playoff spot as Che’lu Bar and Grill and Go For Gold-College of St. Benilde have higher quotients despite sporting identical 6-3 win-loss cards.
The Titans ended their campaign at ninth place behind a 2-7 slate.
With a slim 72-68 lead in the payoff period, Enderun ended the Tigers’ momentum with an 8-0 blitz, capped by a layup from Marvin Hayes for the win.
“Maturity and decision-making ang nagkulang. Everytime na naghahabol, sometimes we become impatient and sometimes we go for the easy ones, the low-percentage shots lang,” Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo told the Varsitarian.
The Titans outscored UST in the rebounding department, 56-40, while hammering 16 second chance points. The Tigers only had seven second chance points.
Brandon Chauca spearheaded Enderun with 31 points, while Hayes posted a double-double outing of 18 markers and 12 boards.
Soulemane Chabi Yo also had a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds for UST.
