YOU just can't let the big boss down.
With San Miguel Corp. (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua present for the first time in the second round, University of Santo Tomas averted another major collapse and staved off University of the East, 76-67, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It's a win that certainly uplifted the spirit of the Growling Tigers' main benefactor after Barangay Ginebra's PBA finals defeat the night before, but more importantly, injected hope into UST's Final Four aspirations this UAAP Season 87.
UST digs deep
But boy, it wasn't pretty.
Jumping to a 41-14 lead in the first half, the Espana crew had to repulse a spirited comeback from the Red Warriors who sliced the lead down to five, 69-64, with 2:48 to play.
But Nic Cabanero, silent after dropping 19 in the first half, salvaged UST, as his and-one play with 2:26 to go gave his side a 72-64 breathing room.
He capped off this intense win with a pair of freebies with 46.9 seconds left to finish with 27 points and eight rebounds and push the Growling Tigers up to 6-7 in the standings.
It's a game that also came with heavy implications, as UST booted Ateneo (3-9) out of playoff contention.
Precious Momowei may have also kissed his dreams of a Mythical Team selection goodbye after getting ejected with 5:13 remaining following his second unsportsmanlike foul, as his sharp elbows left Mo Tounkara and later on, Gelo Crisostomo bloodied.
The Nigerian big, who was disqualified from the Rookie of the Year plum last season as well due to two unsportsmanlike fouls, exited the game with six points and 10 rebounds, as UE lost its third consecutive game to fall to 6-6.
"Yung players, hindi bumigay until the end. Inconsistent kami, but we're focused sa last two games namin para maka-dictate sa amin na makapasok sa Final Four," said coach Pido Jarencio, who dedicated the victory to UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP who is celebrating his birthday, but at the same time, grieving the passing of his brother.
The Growling Tigers had to soldier on in this hard knocks affair with Crisostomo contributing 14 points, seven boards, and two steals and Tounkara adding seven points and 12 rebounds even after momentarily leaving the game for their game-incurred wounds.
Christian Manaytay added 10 points and seven boards, while Forthsky Padrigao, though still having an off-shooting night and only going 3-of-11 from the field, wound up with seven points, six dimes, and five rebounds.
UE falls further
Third time still wasn't the charm for the Red Warriors, as they failed to secure an outright spot in the semifinals despite Jack Cruz-Dumont shooting 3-of-8 from deep for a season-best 19 points.
Wello Lingolingo chipped in 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, as Devin Fikes produced 12 points and seven boards in the losing cause.
The Scores:
UST 76 – Cabanero 27, Crisostomo 14, Manaytay 10, Padrigao 7, Tounkara 7, Danting 5, Paranada 3, Pangilinan 2, Llemit 1, Estacio 0, Acido 0.
UE 67 – J. Cruz-Dumont 19, Lingolingo 13, Fikes 12, Maga 9, Momowei 6, Wilson 3, Spandonis 3, Malaga 2, Abate 0, Galang 0, Mulingtapang 0, H. Cruz-Dumont 0.
Quarters: 22-11, 48-28, 60-45, 76-67.
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