UST conquers DLSU after 8 years

A missed jumper by Anthony Espiritu but Joe Cortez was there to take the offensive board. His shot went in within 6 seconds of the game clock and the Growling Tigers found themselves finishing a miraculous 12-0 run that forced the game to overtime.

UST toppled the La Salle Green Archers with an 8-point lead in the overtime period, 81-73, at the Araneta Coliseum last August 11.

In the first quarter, James Mangahas and Jvee Casio led the Archers in scoring with 7 points apiece. With 4:11 minutes, a three-pointer from Casio took the Taft-based La Salle up by two, 14-12. Dylan Ababou and Jun Dizon’s respective 1/2 FTs tied the ball game for the first time at 14. The first period ended the quarter with La Salle in the lead, 19-18.

In the second quarter, La Salle continued to be in command igniting a 7-2 run, 28-20 after a shot by Cholo Villanueva with 9:36 minutes to play. Jervy Cruz completed a three-point play but was immediately answered by Casio’s three-point bomb.

A call from the referee against La Salle summoned the fans wearing green to protest and a plastic cup suddenly found its way onto the basketball court right in the middle of the second period.

The first half ended with the Tigers trailing, 34-29. UST made 14 turnovers as compared to La Salle’s 7 in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Green Archers continued its dominance. A three-pointer from Ababou followed by a field goal from Mark Canlas marked its third deadlock of the game at 36. But Villanueva, Casio and a three-pointer from Simon Atkins pushed the Green Archers further out front for an 11-2 run in the dying seconds of the third quarter. La Salle was still in a semi-comfortable 6-point advantage, 55-49.

In the fourth quarter, a 2-point basket from Cholo Villanueva was followed by another 18-footer from Casio extended the Green Archers’ lead to 11 points, 60-49.

Ferdinand nailed a powerful lay-up for a 12-point advantage for La Salle. But with, 1:57 minutes left in the final quarter, the yellow shirts sparked a remarkable 12-0 run courtesy of Ababou, Espiritu, Khasim Mirza and a startling jumper from Joe Cortez. At the buzzer, the ball game is tied at 69-all and the game will have to be decided in the extra period.

In overtime, Mirza stepped up big time for the Growling Tigers. Both teams struggled to get a basket but La Salle fell short.

UST had an 8-2 run with 1:51 minutes left in the extra period but the game went in favor of UST, 81-73. Cruz piloted the Growling Tigers with a double-double, 16 points and 18 rebounds. Ababou joined Cruz listing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Mirza bagged a hefty 16 points while Espiritu had 14 points. Casio, meanwhile, led the Archers with 20 points while Villanueva pitched in for 15 points.

It was a sweet win for Coach Pido Jarencio who cannot stop his praises to the almighty.

“We were down by twelve but with the help of the UST community, who continued to cheer even when we were already losing, and blessings from God, we were able to get through and win.”

Coach Pido also added that this is not yet the peak for UST though the team continues to play better each game. “We’re still on our way to get there.” The upset however is La Salle’s third loss this season.

Quarter Scores:

UST – 81

Mirza 16, Cruz 16, Ababou 15, Espiritu 14, Cuan 9, Cortez 4, Canlas 3, Dizon 2, Taylor 2, Scott 0, Gile 0, Allera 0

DLSU – 73

Casio 20, Villanueva 15, Mangahas 9, Maierhofer 9, Tang 6, Atkins 4, Ferdinand 4, Cua 3, Walsham 2, Ilad 1, Malabes 0, Co 0

Quarter Scores: 18-19, 29-34, 49-55, 69-69, 81-73