ANTIPOLO — The University of Santo Tomas got themselves going from deep to drub the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 82-74, in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament Sunday at the Ynares Center.
Sherwin Concepcion ignited the Growling Tigers’ explosion after UST missed their first seven attempts in the first quarter. They rallied from a 36-24 hole as the rookie out of Mapua connected on four of his eight shots from deep to finish with 12 points.
Concepcion waxed hot in the second half, helping UST break away before adding one more to open the fourth quarter and grab a 67-55 lead. In total, the Growling Tigers shot 10-of-36 from downtown.
“They responded to my challenge that they have to show up,” said Ayo.
Soulemane Chabi Yo topped UST with a double-double in the tune of his 21 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, neophyte Mark Nonoy garnered 11 points and six rebounds.
Renzo Subido also chipped 11 points and five assists, while Rhenz Abando contributed 10 points and three rebounds.
The España side improve to a 4-2 card.
“Good way to bounce back [from] yung last namin na talo. Lahat ng mali namin sa last game, we took them out, we tried to correct those mistakes. I’m just grateful na we were able to adjust,” said Ayo.
Wendell Comboy and Brandrey Bienes then kept the fire alive for FEU, cutting the deficit down to just five, 75-70, with 58.7 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, those hopes were immediately dashed when Barkley Ebona pulled Subido’s shoulders that merited an unsportsmanlike foul.
That was the opening UST needed. They then iced the game from the charity stripe, shooting 7-of-8 in that final minute.
The Tamaraws continued their inconsistent campaign to fall to 2-3 in the standings.
L-Jay Gonzales poured 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists to pace FEU. Xyrus Torres had 14 points on a 4-of-8 shooting from threes.
UST play their final game of the round on Saturday, September 28, against the DLSU Green Archers at 2:00 pm. Meanwhile, FEU have their penultimate game against the NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 25.
The Scores:
UST 82 — Chabi Yo 21, Concepcion 12, Nonoy 11, Subido 11, Abando 10, Bataller 8, Paraiso 3, Ando 2, Cansino 2, Huang 2, Cuajao 0.
FEU 74 — Gonzales 16, Torres 14, Ebona 11, Comboy 10, Bienes 6, Tuffin 6, Alforque 4, Stockton 4, Nunag 3, Cani 0, Celzo 0, Tchuente 0.
Quarterscores: 14-24, 34-39, 64-55, 82-74.
