The UST Tiger Cubs emerged as champions in the United Basketball League after toppling the NSNU Bullpups, 60-49, in the 17-under finals of the school-based division at the Systems Plus Computer College in Caloocan on Monday, Aug. 28.
Up by seven in the second half, 49-42, UST buried the Bullpups with back-to-back triples from Joaquin Ludovice and Carl Manding to take a commanding 55-42 lead that proved to be insurmountable.
With the game tied at 22-all in the last three minutes of the second quarter, a Ludovice behind-the-back pass that led to a Charles Esteban bucket fueled UST’s 8-2 run to end the first half, 30-24.
Ludovice bagged the Finals Most Valuable Player plum after pacing the Tiger Cubs with 11 points and five assists.
“This [preseason tournament] helps with the team chemistry and prepares us for this upcoming season,” Ludovice told the Varsitarian. “We’re not going to settle for this achievement as we are also aiming for higher goals such as winning the championship in the upcoming UAAP Season 86.”
Tiger Cubs Kurt Velasquez, Alfred Loreto, and Manding, along with NU’s Gab Nepacena and Alnhumaeri Usop, completed the Mythical Five.
The Tiger Cubs advanced to the semifinals after finishing the elimination round with a 4-0 win-loss record. UST defeated San Sebastian College Recoletos for its finals berth.
The Tiger Cubs also won the inaugural Ballout Inter-Secondary Champions Challenge on July 2. Brenn Allen L. Flores
