THE UST Tiger Cubs Team B suffered a 58-119 thrashing courtesy of the more experienced San Beda Red Cubs in their first game of the 18th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid’s Sports Complex in San Beda College last April 15.
Tiger Cubs Paolo Corre and Patrick Ramirez combined for 34 points but was not enough against the Red Cubs’ balanced scoring.
Javee Mocon had 14 points for San Beda while Arvin Tolentino pitched in 12 for the Red Cub offense.
UST was ready for a knockout as San Beda went on a 12-2 run early in the fourth, highlighted by two consecutive three-point plays by Tolentino, to go up, 54-112.
Red Cub Adven Diputado exploded with 10 points in the third frame to further expand San Beda’s lead to 54.
The Red Cubs capitalized on UST’s numerous errors, especially in the second and third canto, by converting them into turnover baskets.
San Beda capped the second quarter with a 10-2 run, scoring points in the paint off lapses in UST’s offense.
UST struggled to defend the perimeter early on as the Red Cubs dominated the first quarter from beyond the arc.
Tiger Cubs head coach Allan Ascue said that going with his Team B was all about the team’s balance. “I wanted to give the other guys a break, especially Corre, Ramirez, Ice Dandan, and Kevin Borje who are prospects for Team A,” he said. “Also, it’s about equal exposure for all my players.”
Coach Ascue further said championship experience helped the cause of San Beda. “They were clearly the more mature team. We need to be more defensive, to hustle, and to never lose composure until the end-game.”
But there’s always room for improvement. “It was a good game for us. The expected role players delivered. We can only get better,” coach Ascue said.
The Tiger Cubs are set to face the Jose Rizal University in their next game on April 23.
