Tigers Crush Bulldogs

UBelt.comby JP AbcedeUniversity of Santo Tomas shot the lights out in Araneta Coliseum to subdue National University, 84-72, on August 26 at the Araneta Coliseum. Khasim Mirza received a handoff from Japs Cuan for a three-pointer at the flank and for the Growling Tigers’ biggest margin, 76-60, 3:06 of the fourth period.“Hindi ko na iniisip ang standing,” UST coach Pido Jarencio thought out loudly. “Iniisip ko lang manalo ang last five games.” As things stand right now, Santo Tomas is at third with 6-4, while the Bulldogs are the other end with 4-6. Against Ateneo de Manila University on August 30 at the Big Dome, “Tingnan natin baka makatsamba ulit,” Jarencio hoped. Mirza was at his usual form, attempting more from outside and making five for 19 points and five rebounds. Dylan Ababou was 16 and eight. Both Cuan and Jervy Cruz finished with 12 markers with the fiery point guard finishing with seven assists and the hulking center collaring 14 boards. The Tigers were 11/33 at the three-point expanse, passed for 22 assists, despite getting tagged for 33 fouls. Jonathan Fernandez had 18 points on 6/17 shooting, while Edwin Asoro was dismal with 3/11 for 13 and 13 rebounds. Raymund Aguilar was perfect at 6/6 for 12 markers. National rejected five UST attempts, although making only 19/42 from the 15-footer. Mel Gile started off the good fortune, scoring five of the first black and gold eight points. Mirza also woke up early with three threes in the first period. Jun Cortez swished a trey from the side pocket of the second quarter, 30-17, 9:12. The Bulldogs were able to pull close to four in two occasions, but USTe’s lead was in the high fives most of the way. Ababou scored seven straight in an 8-0 run at the start of the third, 52-41. The blue and gold was able to crawl back via freebies with Jonathan Jahnke and his Rukawa-inspired hair splitting from there, 52-54, 1:53. It was in the final ten minutes the España-based crew broke free. Anthony Espiritu drove then dropped to Cuan at the backdoor, 66-55, 7:11. UST then had a 10-2 rally capped by the Mirza three-pointer.