Martin San Diego | FCF
University of Santo Tomas becomes the first-ever number four seeded team to nullify a top-seeded team’s twice-to-beat advantage, after downing National University on their “home floor” on Saturday night.
In an emotionally-charged ballgame, the Growling Tigers scored a 76-69 victory over the Bulldogs in front of a sold-out crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Led in scoring by graduating swingman Jeric Teng with 19 points, UST sets up a showdown against rival De La Salle University to crown a new men’s basketball champion.
RELATED: De La Salle marches into title round
Following a slow start hounded by a slew of turnovers and fouls from both sides, action picked up late in the second quarter when NU unleashed a 16-5 flurry, led by Joshua Alolino’s eight points, in the last 3:41 to knot the game at 31 at the break.
In a nip-and-tuck second half, Kevin Ferrer finally broke the floodgates in making three free throws after fishing a shooting foul from beyond the arc on a young Nico Javelona. Since that point, Bobby Ray Parks and the rest of the Bulldogs failed to deliver an answer against the Growling Tigers’ fury, missing easy shots underneath and seeing wide-open jumpers rattle in-and-out of the rim.
An emotional Pido Jarencio, who broke down in tears minutes before the final buzzer sounded, was left speechless during the post-game presser.
“Di ko aakalain na aabot kami sa Finals. Then, maraming taong nagdududa sa kakayanan ko,” said the veteran tactician who has led the Tigers to three finals appearances since taking over the helm in 2006.
Andrew Pamorada | FCF
Ferrer, who hit three crucial treys in the final period, finished with 18 points and five rebounds. Aljon Mariano added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Parks, who is mum about his future with the Bulldogs, had 15 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Emmanuel Mbe and Gelo Alolino each posted 10 apiece in a losing cause.
The best-of three-finals showdown between UST and DLSU begins on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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Photos by Martin San Diego
RELATED: UST vs NU game photos (more) | De La Salle marches into title round
