Bulldogs eject Growling Tigers from Final 4 race
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers has finally been bowed out of the Final Four contentions as the National University (NU) Bulldogs ousted them, 91-83, in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.
The Tigers started on a good note, leading by as much as seven points, but the Bulldogs even without coach Jamike Jarin, bounced back in the third frame.
Jarin was suspended for the game after being ejected with two technical fouls during NU’s loss to Ateneo last Wednesday.
PBA legend Danny Ildefonso, assistant coach of Bulldogs, escorted NU to victory.
Issa Gaye and Matt Salen led NU with 22 markers each, with the latter also grabbing 10 boards.
Jjay Alejandro once again delivered a triple-double with 10 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Steve Akomo gave UST 16 points and 12 rebounds, while team captain Marvin Lee and Olive De Guzman managed to contribute 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Jjay Alejandro with a jumper against UST's Zach Huang. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS CBN Sports.
UST, who will miss the semifinals for a second straight season, is now at a 0-10 slate under coach Boy Sablan.
UST will go against the De La Salle University Green Archers on Oct. 29 at 2 p.m, while NU will next face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on the same day at 4 p.m.
Both games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Box scores:
NU 91 – Gaye 22, Salem 22, Alejandro 10, Abatayo 10, Joson 7, Mosqueda 5, Bartlett 5, Yu 5, Diputado 3, Aquino 2, Tibayan 0, Morido 0, Cauilan 0
UST 83 – Akomo 16, Lee 15, De Guzman 14, Caunan 11, Faundo 8, Sta. Ana 6, Huang 6, Escalambre 3, Basibas 2, Soriano 2, Romero 0, Macasaet 0
Quarterscores:
24-21, 40-43, 69-61, 91-83