The UST Tiger Cubs settled for a runner-up finish in the Milcu Sports X Got Skills Platinum 19U tournament after falling to the National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups, 76-73, on Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Aero Sports Center in Quezon City.
Holding a slim 10-9 advantage, the Bullpups pulled away in the opening quarter behind a Shaun Lucido triple that ignited a 12-3 run, giving NUNS a 22-12 lead after the first period.
UST responded in the second quarter with a 20-10 surge, capped by a Benedict Jimenez layup, to knot the game at 32-all.
Jimenez then converted a free throw to give the Tiger Cubs their first lead at 33-32, but NUNS answered with a Rob Celiz floater and carried a narrow 41-40 advantage into halftime.
UST opened the third quarter with an 11-6 run to build its biggest lead of the game at 51-47. The Bullpups, however, closed the period on a 14-4 run to regain control, 61-55.
NUNS maintained its edge in the fourth quarter before Jhon Canapi drilled a three-pointer with less than five seconds remaining to keep UST’s hopes alive. The Tiger Cubs, however, were unable to force overtime.
Trailing 76-67 with under a minute left, UST mounted a late 6-0 rally but ultimately came up short as the Bullpups secured the championship, 76-73.
Andwele Cabañero led the Tiger Cubs with 13 points, a day after winning the Manila leg of The One tournament. Jay-z V. Perez
