MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The National University (NU) Bulldogs defeated the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 91-83, on Sunday, October 22 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. 

The Bulldogs trailed the Growling Tigers by one point at the half, but they took back the lead immediately and never looked back until the game closed out.

This win improves the Bulldogs’ record to 4-6 in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. For UST, the loss leaves them hopeless for a final four playoff as they remain winless with a 0-10 record. 

The Bulldogs were without their head coach Jamike Jarin due to suspension from his ejection in the game versus Ateneo. Danny Ildefonso assumed Jarin’s role as the head coach of the Bulldogs. 

The Bulldogs tipped off to a strong start and stretched the lead to 8 points with Issa Gaye’s bucket from the 18-footer, 22-17. Marvin Lee’s triple ignited a 7-2 run by the Growling Tigers to stay within 3 points of the Bulldogs. 

The Growling Tigers continued to trail the Bulldogs until Zach Huang’s midrange jumper at the last 24 seconds of the second quarter allowed UST to get ahead of NU by one point. 

The Growling Tigers did not hold onto the lead for long as both teams traded leads until Gaye’s jumper nabbed the lead and Matt Salem’s dunk pushed it further with 2:54 left in the third quarter. 

UST was in foul trouble late in the third quarter, where Lee picked up a technical foul and Oliver de Guzman was called for an unsportsmanlike foul. This gave NU addiitional chances to score from the line, which allowed them to outscore the Growling Tigers, 29-18 in the third. 

Rookie player Gaye attained his career high of 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, while coming up big on defense with 6 blocks. Salem also scored 22 points, as he made 4/9 from beyond the arc and he recorded a double-double by grabbing 10 boards.

Steve Akomo registered a double-double as well for the Growling Tigers as he scored 16 points and collected 12 rebounds.

The Scores

NU (91) – Gaye 22, Salem 22, Alejandro 10, Abatayo 10, Joson 7, Mosqueda 5, Bartlett 5, Yu 5, Diputado 3, Aquino 2, Tibayan 0, Morido 0, Cauilan 0.

UST (83) – Akomo 16, Lee 15, De Guzman 14, Caunan 11, Faundo 8, Sta. Ana 6, Huang 6, Escalambre 3, Basibas 2, Soriano 2, Romero 0, Macasaet 0.

Quarter Scores: 24-21, 40-43, 69-61, 91-83

– Rappler.com