The UST Growling Tigers sustained a 30-point loss at the hands of the Eco Oil-De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 112-82, in their first PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Tigers struggled early, giving up more than twice the points they scored in the first half. DLSU, led by Phillips brothers Michael and Benjamin, scored 61 points in the first half, while UST only scored 30.
UST showed more consistency in the second half, in which they outscored DLSU, 52-51.
The DLSU lead, however, was insurmountable for the poor-shooting Tigers, who shot 31-for-97 (31 percent) from the field.
Both teams struggled from beyond the arc with the Tigers sinking only five of their 40 three-point attempts (12 percent) and the Archers converting only two of their 22 three-point tries (9 percent).
But the Archers were more consistent in converting inside shots, making 40 of their 65 two-point field goal attempts (61 percent).
The Archers also outrebounded the Tigers, 72-56.
UST’s Nicael Cabañero scored 21 points in an efficient 9-for-20 shooting. Sherwin Concepcion added 19 markers, while big man Bryan Santos had five points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Kean Baclaan also sizzled with 18 markers in his UST debut.
Michael and Benjamin Phillips led DLSU with 23 and 16 points, respectively.
UST will next face Apex Fuel-San Sebastian College on Thursday, 12:30 p.m., at the same venue. Mark Ernest V. Villeza
