THE UST Tiger Cubs’ recurring late-game struggles surfaced anew as they bowed to the De La Salle-Zobel (DLSZ) Junior Archers, 84-80, in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday, March 1.
UST, already out of the Final Four race, slipped to 4-9 with one game remaining, while DLSZ improved to 8-5 in fourth place.
The Tiger Cubs led by eight, 60-52, entering the final period but were outscored 32-20 in the fourth quarter.
Tied at 77-all in the final three minutes, UST failed to convert down the stretch and conceded a 7-0 run to the Junior Archers en route to the loss.
“‘Yong first three quarters maayos naman pero pagdating ng fourth quarter, no’ng lumamang, medyo nagkanya-kanya ‘yong players,” UST head coach Manu Iñigo told the Varsitarian.
“‘Di nila sinunod ‘yong sistema nang tama. Nag-isip sila ng individual stats, nagka-turnovers, kaya nag-run ‘yong La Salle.”
After a tight start, the Tiger Cubs surrendered a 10-1 run capped by Kio Favis’ layup to give the Junior Archers a nine-point lead, 24-15.
UST opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run, as Simon Pulongbarit drilled a 3-pointer to seize a 25-24 advantage before La Salle built a 39-32 lead.
The Tiger Cubs mounted a 28-13 run spanning the second and third quarters to swing the momentum, 60-52.
In the fourth quarter, Kyle Bandingan converted a 3-pointer to stretch UST’s lead to nine, 68-59, only for DLSZ to respond with a 10-0 run to trim the deficit to 69-68 with 6:06 remaining.
UST’s cold stretch continued as Maco Dabao hit timely baskets, including a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left, to seal the win for DLSZ.
Jetlee Melano committed a turnover on the ensuing inbounds play, effectively handing DLSZ the match.
Melano led UST with 27 points and seven rebounds, while Jhon Canapi added 12 points off the bench.
Dabao paced the Junior Archers with 27 points, followed by Yusuf Mikailu, who posted a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds.
The Tiger Cubs will wrap up their Season 88 campaign against the winless UP Integrated School Junior Fighting Maroons on Sunday, March 8, at the same venue.
