Chasing Tigers overrun Bulldogs

Santo Tomas outgunned National U in the second half as it pulled off a come-from-behind 75-67 victory yesterday to breathe life to its sagging bid in the 69th UAAP basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

Rookie Jervy Cruz posted 18 points and 13 rebounds for his seventh double-double performance as the Tigers clinched a third win in eight outings to seize a share of fourth spot with the Bulldogs and the Adamson Falcons.

Chester Taylor also had a notable performance as he chipped in 10 points including six in the homestretch, helping the España-based dribblers outscore the Bulldogs, 43-27, in the second half.

UST arrested a four-game skid as it avenged a humiliating 85-98 loss to NU last July 29.

"We struggled in our last few games because most of my players got sick," said UST coach Pido Jarencio. "I’m happy we’re starting to recover."

With NU’s big men dominating the paint, the Bulldogs controlled the tempo in the first half, even erecting a 34-23 lead midway in the second quarter.

But Cruz showed the way in the third quarter, teaming up with guard Japs Cuan as UST turned a 32-40 deficit at the break to a 47-44 advantage in the third canto.