AFTER playing catch-up most of the game, the Growling Tigers pulled off another come-from-behind victory over a gutsy University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 75-68, at the Mall of Asia Arena last Sept. 8.
The win fortified UST’s bid for a twice-to-beat-advantage in the Final Four following the defeat of four-time champions Ateneo de Manila University (10-2) and the nullified win of Far Eastern University (8-3).
Down 54-59 in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, the Tigers found a savior in team captain Jeric Fortuna, who stepped up big after completing two consecutive three-point plays that gave UST the lead, 60-59.
The Maroons tried to fight back, but the Tigers put up a more aggressive play down the stretch.
Aljon Mariano pumped in nine straight points to give UST a 10-point lead, 72-62.
UP’s Raul Soyud, who made things rough for UST’s frontcourt with six blocks, tried to control the bleeding with a jumper following Jett Manuel’s two free throws to cut the deficit to six, 68-74.
Karim Abdul finished with another double-double performance for UST with 16 points and 21 rebounds, while Mariano and Fortuna combined for 27 markers and 18 boards.
Fighting Maroon Jelo Montecastro scored a season-high 17 points to lead UP.
“Sinabi ko nung time-out na marunong din maglaro ng basketball ang mga kalaban nila. Kahit masakit sa kanila, kailangan ko masabi para magising sila,” coach Pido Jarencio said.
The Tigers earlier rallied to trip the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 83-79, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sept. 1.
Jeric Teng returned from injury with 22 points, including five three-pointers. Abdul and Mariano added 19 and 16 markers for the Tigers, respectively.
The Falcons waxed hot from beyond the arc in the first half, unloading nine triples to grab an early six-point lead, 42-36. Rookie Jerico Cruz led Adamson with a career-high 33 points.
“It was hard for me to come back after two weeks. But coach Pido (Jarencio) is always there to give me the confidence,” Teng said.
Box scores:
UST 75 – Mariano 16, Abdul 16, Fortuna 11, Teng 10, Bautista 9, Ferrer 4, Daquiaog 3, Vigil 2, Pe 2, Lo 2, Hainga 0, Afuang 0.
UP 68- Montecastro 17, Silungan 14, Soyud 11, Ball 6, Lopez 6, Romero 5, Manuel 5, Padilla 2, Hipolito 2, Mbah 0, Wong 0, Gamboa 0, Asilum 0.
Quarter scores: 20-14, 35-38, 46-53, 75-68.
