July 12, 9:12 p.m. – THE UST Tiger Cubs bowed to the National University Bullpups, 59-63, in their first game for the season via overtime at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym early this afternoon.
Thomasian rookie Nicko Bahia recorded a double-digit performance, contributing 25 points. He ignited a run to take an early 4-point lead in the extra period, 57-53. But NU’s Ralph Busa immediately countered UST’s assault with back-to-back treys, bringing the score to 57-59.
“The team lacks experience,” said Cubs head coach Allan Ascue. “They were having their first-game jitters.”
Ascue said the absence of big man Angelo Latoreno due to cramps significantly decreased control on the low post.
Bahia’s multiple jumpers from the perimeter were insufficient to raise the Cubs from a hapless first half. But during the second half, he led the charge for the España-based squad, scoring the first 12 points during the third quarter to scribble a 2-point lead, 34-32.
The bonus quarter was courtesy of backcourt cager Joshua Almajeda’s buzzer beater.
The Cubs will clash with the Adamson Baby Falcons this Saturday, 1 p.m. Jan Edward B. Ballesteros
