MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The National University (NU) Bulldogs survived a third quarter scare to dump the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 94-84, on Wedneday, September 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Both teams came from losses. The Growling Tigers fell to the Adamson Soaring Falcons, while the Bulldogs lost to the Green Archers in a high scoring affair. 

The Growling Tigers came close to securing their first victory via the heroics of Regie Basibas, who went on a 6-0 run in the third quarter. However, the NU Bulldogs pulled away in the fourth quarter as the UST defense began to crumble.

The game tipped off to a close start as it featured 14 lead changes within the first half alone. The first two quarters then ended with the Bulldogs leading by only 1 point.

In the first half, J-Jay Alejandro led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding as he knockin in 12 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, 3 of which were offensive. On the other hand, Basibas came off the UST bench and exploded with 15 points from a 100% field goal percentage in 6.83 minutes. 

Basibas continued to wax hot going into the third quarter, ending the quarter in favor of the Growling Tigers, 73-70. However, UST was not able to sustain the lead in the fourth quarter, as NU ended the game with a 10-point lead. 

At the end of the match, NU rookie center Issa Gaye put up 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, 9 of which are offensive. Dave Wilson Yu then followed with 13 points. 

UST forward Basibas attained his career-high of 23 points, 8 boards, 1 assist and 3 steals. Jordan Sta. Ana followed with 14 points and made 4 assists. 

This win improved the Bulldogs’ record to 2-1, while the Growling Tigers remained winless with 0-3 slate in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. 

Scores

NU (94) – Gaye 17, Yu 13, Alejandro 12, Mosqueda 11, Bartlett 9, Salem 7, Cauilan 5, Joson 4, Abatayo 4, Aquino 3, Morido 3, Diputado 3, Lastimosa 3, Flores 0, Tibayan 0, Rangel 0.

UST (84) – Basibas 23, Sta. Ana 14, Faundo 9, Arana 8, Escalambre 8, Akomo 5, Lee 4, Huang 4, Macasaet 4, De Guzman 3, Kwawukumey 2, Caunan 0, Romero 0, Soriano 0, Lorenzana 0.

Quarter scores (NU-UST): 25-24, 51-50, 70-73, 94-84

– Rappler.com