THE UST Growling Tigers crumbled late and succumbed to the San Beda University Red Lions, 73-75, to end their Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup campaign at sixth place at the Arena in San Juan Friday.
UST finished the tournament with a 2-5 win-loss card, while San Beda advanced to the quarterfinals after ending the elimination round undefeated in seven games.
A Soulemane Chabi-Yo floater reduced San Beda’s lead to just two with 6.4 ticks left, but the UST was unable to force a turnover, allowing the Red Lions to run away with the win.
“Nawalan ng composure ang players (sa second half) and may stretches na hindi na sila maka-score. Hindi rin na-execute ng maayos ang depensa,” Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo told the Varsitarian.
UST scored the last five points of the third canto to gain a 54-50 lead heading to the payoff period.
The Red Lions milked 11 second chance points off eight offensive boards, while the Tigers 17 offensive boards was only good for nine markers.
James Kwekutuye paced San Beda with 21 points, while Donald Tankoua had a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Chabi-Yo scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed 12 boards for UST.
