Aldin Ayo made an underwhelming debut as UST head coach as the Growling Tigers dropped a 95-90 heartbreaker against the Colegio San Juan de Letran Knights in their Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup opener at the Arena in San Juan Sunday.
Down by 10 with two minutes remaining, UST trimmed the lead to five with 37 ticks left, 85-90.
But Knight Jerrick Balanza’s three-pointer with 15.8 ticks remaining and free throws by Jeremaiah Taladra sealed the win.
“Offensively, we were good. If there’s one thing we have to work on, it’s our defense especially doon sa final stretch. Palitan lang kami ng score and we could’ve had a chance if we made defensive stops,” UST head coach Aldin Ayo said.
The Tigers played without import Steve Akomo who is out indefinitely due to a knee fracture. Mario Bonleon will be back in the next game off a shoulder injury.
Letran’s Bong Quinto led all scorers with 22 points and nine assists.
Basibas led UST with 16 points while Zachary Huang chipped in 15 markers and six rebounds.
The Tigers struggled from the free throw line, missing 12 out of 23 attempts.
UST will look to turn things around against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags on May 11, 6:30 p.m., at the same venue.
