UP fights, but UST holds on for the win

MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons rallied from an 11-point deficit in the 4th quarter to tie the contest, but the UST Growling Tigers managed to hit the big shots late to hold on to their lead and come away with the win, 83-77.

On Saturday, September 17, veteran Louie Vigil led the Growling Tigers with 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds as the team improved to 2-2 in UAAP Season 79. 

Reggie Basibas and Oliver De Guzman also played well with 11 points each, while Renzo Subido and Kent Lao scored 10 points apiece during the game held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

UP was led by the 19 points of Jett Manuel, while Diego Dario had 14 points. Rookie Javi Gomez De Liano finished with 12 points off the bench.

After a 3-ball by Gomez De Liano tied the game at 71-all, Basibas answered with a triple of his own to put UST back ahead with 2:41 to go. Not long after, De Guzman scored on a mid-range J to give UST a 5-point edge.

UP went cold on offense, and a layup on the break for Vigil with 1:20 remaining put the Tigers ahead 79-71 to seal the win. 

It was the 19th straight time UST beat UP – a streak dating back to 2006. – Rappler.com