IN A GENUINE act of brotherhood between Dominican schools, the UST Growling Tigers and Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights played in a charity game for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Yolanda at the Blessed Antonio Varona Gym on the Letran campus last Nov. 20.
The Knights survived UST in a thriller, 80-79, via Kevin Buenaflor’s buzzer-beating putback.
Letran controlled most of the game leading by as much as 19 points, 58-39, as guard Mark Cruz waxed hot from long range late in the third quarter.
But the Tigers went on a furious run in the fourth period, capped by a Kevin Ferrer slam, to cut the deficit to two, 67-69.
Kevin Racal answered with a three-pointer to give the Knights a five-point lead, but guards John Sheriff and Ed Daquioag teamed up and took the lead back in favor of UST, 79-78, with seven seconds remaining.
Tiger Louie Vigil then turned the ball over, which led to Buenaflor’s game-winner.
Outgoing players and Rain or Shine Elastopainters teammates Jeric Teng (UST) and Raymond Almazan (Letran) returned to their alma maters for a cause, but went scoreless while playing limited minutes.
“When I first learned about the game, I really wanted to play because it’s for a good cause,” said Teng, who made his debut in the Philippine Basketball Association last Nov. 17 after being drafted 12th overall.
“I’m proud to be a part of this to help the victims of the typhoon,” UST center Karim Abdul said.
Ferrer, who sizzled in the payoff period, said he wanted to give the students a good show.
“We’re happy because through basketball, we’re able to help. We just played our game and gave those who watched a good show, but the donations will go a long way,” he said of the 300-peso ticket fee, which will be donated to the typhoon victims.
Coach Pido Jarencio said it was a great opportunity for the team and the school to help.
“We’re always open to these things, anything we could do to help in our own little way,” he said.
UST got off to a quick start, opening the game with a 9-2 lead as Paolo Pe took on reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Almazan, who was saddled by two quick fouls.
But the Knights, making full use of home court advantage, settled down and consistently hit their jumpers to keep the Tigers at bay at the half, 38-29.
Daquioag led the Tigers with 18 points while Ferrer made 17, 13 of them in the last quarter. Vigil added 16 markers for UST.
Reneford Ruaya paced the Knights with 15 points while Cruz and Buenaflor added 11 apiece.
