Late Llemit basket propels UST past DLSZ, bolsters Final Four bid
By Rob Andrew Dongiapon
UST’s “it-factor” emerged once more. This time, he delivered when it mattered the most.
Mark Llemit sealed his way to a sneaky basket underneath as the UST Tiger Cubs squeaked past the DLSZ Junior Archers, 81–80, to boost its fourth seed hopes in the UAAP Season 85 High School boys basketball, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Sunday afternoon.
Off a baseline-out-of-bounds play while down 79–80, Llemit took advantage of the Archers’ diverted defense from UST’s decoys to sneak an under-the-goal stab that essentially served as the game-winner with two-tenths of a second left in the game.
DLSZ had the chance to force the game to overtime after a technical foul was called on the Tiger Cubs’ frenzied, albeit ill-advised celebration post-Llemit’s shot but Kieffer Alas bungled the lone free throw.
Llemit finished the game with 17 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, thrusting the Tiger Cubs to the fourth seed with a 5–6 record, while downing DLSZ to a 4–7 slate.
It looked like the Junior Archers had the win in the bag in the final three minutes, however, the Tiger Cubs went on to a raging 7–0 run to turn a once 72–79 disadvantage to a deadlock at 79.
The Junior Archers were on a commanding 11-point lead in the 3:35 mark of the final period before UST stepped on the gas, and opened the floodgates for a fightback.
Soysoy Zanoria topscored for UST with 19 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the three-point range, including a booming trey that cut the gap further in the final minute.
JP Pangilinan also provided 17 markers, alongside seven rebounds for the Tiger Cubs while James Jumao-as had 15 points, and seven boards to supply backup on UST’s comeback in the payoff period.
Meanwhile, Justin San Agustin fired 19 points on a 7-of-13 shooting clip to lead the Junior Archers. Charles Dimaano also came out with a big game for DLSZ with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
UST will look to further secure their Final Four hopes on Wednesday against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who defeated themin the first round of the tournament.
The Scores:
UST (81) — Zanoria 19, Llemit 17, Pangilinan 17, Jumao-as 15, Bucsit 8, Buenaflor 4, Esteban 1, Ayon 0, Tesocan 0, Manding 0, Suico 0
DLSZ (80) — San Agustin 19, Dimaano 15, Melecio 13, Melencio 11, Espina 11, Alas 9, Chang 2, Pabellano 0, John 0, Cruz 0, Dimalanta 0, Sta. Maria 0, Dionisio 0
Quarterscores: 13–13, 37–31, 48–53, 81–80
