ANTIPOLO — University of Santo Tomas eliminated National University from Final Four contention with an 88-76 thumping in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday at the Ynares Center.
CJ Cansino was the catalyst for the Growling Tigers, with a season-high 15 points, along with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Soulemane Chabi Yo also uncorked a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Renzo Subido shot 4-of-6 from downtown to corral 14 points, three boards, and two assists.
Mark Nonoy also scored 12, as UST closed in on the second spot at 7-5.
“Lots of players stepped up,” said coach Aldin Ayo. “They just played basketball. They were having fun. They enjoyed the game, but we know that while they are doing that, may kasamang responsibility pa rin.”
UST’s attack balanced out just as Rhenz Abando marked his return to the team after an emotional week where rumors flew that he was on his way out of España.
He got nine points and five rebounds in 16 minutes of play.
UST sustained its high-octane self, going 12-of-36 from threes. It also dished out 18 assists in the win.
That hot shooting allowed the Growling Tigers to break away in the third frame, using a 20-5 attack that gave it a 23-point lead, 58-35.
The Bulldogs then rallied behind Dave Ildefonso, going on a 21-7 spurt to get to within nine, 65-56, heading to the fourth. But Subido and Chabi Yo helped UST break away anew and enjoy 20-point leads in the final canto.
Ildefonso fired 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists for NU, which fell to 2-9.
UST will next face the DLSU Green Archers on Wednesday, October 23 at 4:00 pm. NU, on the other hand, takes on the UP Fighting Maroons on the same day at 10:30 am. Venue is at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
UST 88 — Chabi Yo 16, Cansino 15, Subido 14, Nonoy 12, Abando 9, Ando 8, Bataller 3, Concepcion 3, Cuajao 3, Paraiso 3, Huang 2, Bordeos 0.
NU 76 — D. Ildefonso 27, S. Ildefonso 15, Clemente 10, Gaye 6, Rangel 4, Joson 3, Minerva 3, Oczon 3, Malonzo 2, Mosqueda 2, Gallego 1, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Mangayao 0, Tibayan 0, Yu 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 38-30, 65-56, 88-76.
