The UST Tiger Cubs ripped NU Bullpups, 65-58 to annex the twice to beat incentive for the stepladder semi-finals in the main event of a Sunday playoff doubleheader held September 5 at the Flying V Arena, San Juan.

Ismael Corre and Neil Ilarde stepped up in place of foul ridden Juniors’ stats leader Kevin Ferrer as they combined for 29 points and 25 rebounds and Jaypee Sarcia waxed hot off the bench as he scored 11 points (3 for 5 in the three point area) in 14 minutes to buck the Bullpups’ last quarter fightback.

The Allan Ascue coached Tiger Cubs used a 19-9 second quarter outburst to pull away from a four point first quarter lead to a 14 point lead (39-25) at the break.

The Jeff Napa-mentored Bullpups tried to rally in the fourth quarter but the lead was too big to overcome as the Tiger Cubs held on to take second place and a twice to beat incentive in the stepladder semifinals.

Juniors’ stats leader Ferrer was limited to just 10 points and 10 rebounds as he was crippled with four fouls.

Nico Meneses led the Bullpups, who will be facing the DLSZ Junior Archers for the knockout phase of the stepladder semis Tuesday, with 15 points and 5 rebounds in 32 minutes.

Boxscores

UST Tiger Cubs 65 – Corre 15, Ilarde 14, Cabauatan 13, Sarcia 11, Ferrer 10, Mison 2, Lazaro 0, Gooh 0

NU Bullpups 58 – Meneses 15, Parungao 14, Estoce 14, Tansingco 12, Lara 3, Rivero 0, Busa 0, Caparas 0, Banquiao 0, Atangan 0

Quarterscores: 20-16, 39-25, 55-43, 65-58