SADDLED by terrible offensive and defensive plays, the UST Tiger Cubs bowed out of contention in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup after falling prey to San Beda College, 60-80, at the Arena in San Juan last May 28.
The Tiger Cubs solely banked on Nicko Bahia, who fired 20 points on top of four rebounds. UST ended its campaign with a 2-3 win-loss slate.
Arvin Tolentino, Jess Diputado, and Ranbill Tongco combined for 35 points to keep San Beda undefeated in four games.
“Our team (UST) lacks big men and those who were expected to step up did not do well,” coach Allan Ascue said.
Down by as much as 19 points in the last frame, UST found a bit of relief from Paolo Corre, who scored on a lay-up and sank two free throws.
But defense went pillow-soft for the Tiger Cubs down the stretch as San Beda’s Tongco and Lance Abude made four consecutive baskets to widen their lead, 72-49.
“Nasa momentum na sana kami sa first half pero wrong timing naman at sumakit ang tiyan ni Ronald (Mayor) kaya inalis siya sa court,” Ascue said.
Tolentino dictated the tempo for San Beda early in the third quarter, putting up solid performance from the paint to cap a 17-3 rally.
Last May 7, the Tiger Cubs suffered a 62-63 nail-biter against Xavier School Golden Stallions. UST’s Prince Martin had 20 points. ALEXIS U. CERADO
