Tigers strive to be in Pido’s ‘Magic 16’

DESIRE to land a spot in UST’s official UAAP lineup next season proved disastrous for the Tigers. 

Playing under the banner of Dickies clothing company, the team showcased in dividual talent only to succumb to a Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) squad, 96-98, in the Millennium Basketball League at the New Tiger Gym in Mandaluyong City last May 20.

The tournament was to serve as a gauge for coach Pido Jarencio in picking players who would comprise the Tigers’ official 16-man lineup in Season 73. The coaching staff is currently training 20 players.

Individual efforts were reflected in the scoreboard. Season 72 Rookie of the Year Jeric Teng led the way for UST with 23 points, while Clark Bautista and Carmelo Afuang contributed 20 points each. Jeric Fortuna added 19 markers.

Still, the Tigers fell behind as as many as 12 points in the third quarter before mounting a comeback in the fourth that fell short via a failed Camus buzzer-beater.

Afuang buried a triple with less than 20 seconds in the game to give UST the upperhand, 94-93. But MLQU’s Tonton Ilustestica responded with a three of his own to give his team a 96-94 lead with 10.8 seconds remaining.

Teng was fouled in the ensuing play but he split his charities for a 97-96 score in favor of the opponents. MLQU scored a point in the freethrow line for the final count. Jack Malansan and Daniel Bardevarona topscored for MLQU with 14 points apiece.

“We lost but still, I am happy because the team is gaining experiences,” Jarencio said in Filipino. “But this game must serve as a wake-up call for us to do better in the coming games. They need to fight to win.”