Tigers struggle against Nelle-less DLSU, fall to even slate
By Francis Marvin De Ungria
The UST Growling Tigers suffered its first season loss in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament as the DLSU Green Archers banked on a dominant second-half showing, 83–63, Wednesday afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
UST struggled to score in the opening minutes as Nicael Cabañero and Miguel Pangilinan were the only ones to pick up the scoring load. DLSU meanwhile was led by Gilas forward Kevin Quiambao who drilled a couple of three-pointers to give the Green Archers the lead, 30–21.
The Tigers’ bench stepped up at the start of the second quarter as they led 33–32 after a 13–4 run. But the Green Archers’ press forced many turnovers, bringing the lead back to Taft, ending the first half with a seven-point cushion. 47–40.
The Green Archers continued their offensive excellence in the third quarter compared to UST who struggled, scoring only six points in the whole salvo, thanks to Adama Faye’s three dunks from Cabañero’s assists.
This went on in the fourth quarter as DLSU maintained their lead and avoided any run made by UST as they later tried to cut down the deficit.
Deschon Winston led the Green Archers with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Michael Phillips had a double-double scoring 11 points while grabbing 12 rebounds.
Sophomore starCabañero struggled as DLSU’s defense focused on him, limiting him to 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Pangilinan stepped up for UST with an almost double-double performance with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The UST Growling Tigers look to vent their ire as they face the Baclaan-led NU Bulldogs on Sunday, 2:00 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
DLSU (83) — Winston 19, Austria 13, M. Phillips 11, Quiambao 11, Abadam 6, Estacio 6, B. Phillips 5, Nonoy 3, Blanco 3, Manuel 2, Nwankwo 2, Cortez 2, Escandor 0, Buensalida 0, Macalalag 0
UST (63) — Pangilinan 11, Cabañero 10, Manalang 10, Faye 10, Garing 6, Lazarte 5, Escubido 4, Mantua 3, Calimag 3, Laure 1, Manaytay 0, Magdangal 0, Duremdes 0, Gesalam 0, Herrera 0
Quarter Scoring — 30–21, 47–40, 65–46, 83–63
