DAYS AFTER an embarrassing loss against the San Beda Red Lions, the Growling Tigers recorded their first victory in the Floil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup, but only to lose in a 63-65 heartbreaker against the Ateneo de Manila University two days later.
UAAP top rookie Kiefer Ravena scored on a jumper in the dying seconds of the game to notch the victor for the Blue Eagles at The Arena in San Juan last April 25.
Two days earlier, the Tigers cruised past the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta, 70-66, with Aljon Mariano and Karim Abdul leading the way with 14 points apiece.
UST has only one win in three games, its first loss coming via a 70-54 demolition against the Red Lions last April 18.
Mariano fired 18 points for the Tigers against Ateneo, but they were not enough against the Blue Eagles, who were led by big man Greg Slaughter’s 23 markers,
UST were fighting Ateneo tooth and nail in the final quarter until Ravena escaped with the winning jumper. Mariano earlier connected on a three-pointer for the sixth deadlock of the game at 59-all.
Slaugther broke the tie following a low-post play in the last two minutes. Mariano was unstoppable in the second quarter, scoring 11 consecutive points as UST led Ateneo, 21-19.
“We still lacked aggressiveness and patience on defense,” said Mariano, who was sidelined for a year due to injury.
