UST ends 5-game losing skid with win over NU

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – University of Santo Tomas arrested a 5-game losing skid after it overcame National University, 73-69, in the men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 79 on Saturday, October 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Marvin Lee, Louie Vigil, and Jon Sheriff combined for 61 points to lead the Growling Tigers as they pulled away in the second half after a 34-all tie at the break.

“Nag-trabaho yung mga bata. Tinrabaho nila yung defense ngayon. Talagang gusto nila matalo (The players worked hard. They worked on their defense. They really wanted to win),” said head coach Boy Sablan.

Sophomore guard Lee, who was licensed to shoot in the 30 minutes he played, made 5 of his 7 3-point attempts for a career-high and a game-high 22 points on top of 3 rebounds and 3 assists. He poured 11 of those in the final frame to keep the rallying NU at bay.

Team captain Vigil also had 20 points but attempted 27 shots, of which he made only 9. He tallied 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and two steals.

Sheriff his own career-high 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 4 assists and 6 steals as the Tigers led by as much as 13 points.

Matt Salem paced the Bulldogs with 20 markers and 5 boards, as Alfred Aroga had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jess Diputado chipped in 12 markers.

UST improved to a 3-7 record while NU extended its losing streak to 3 and fell to a 4-5 slate. – Rappler.com