Tigers, Warriors seal semis clash

Games tomorrow

2 p.m. – NU vs Letran

4 p.m. – La Salle vs San Beda

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas made one big charge late in the third period as the Tigers ended the Arellano U Chiefs’ remarkable run with an 83-73 victory to claim the first semifinal berth in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Tied at 49 late in the third quarter, the Tigers uncorked a 13-4 blast to seize full control at 62-53 then held sway in the fourth to advance against the University of the East Warriors.

The Recto-based squad leaned on Roi Sumang’s clutch shooting as it ousted Adamson, 66-58, in the other quarterfinal duel.

Jeric Teng missed 11 of 16 shots but went seven-of-eight from the free throw line to finish with a game-high 23 points while Cameroonian Karim Abdul put in a double-double effort of 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Tigers, who also drew 14 points from Kevin Ferrer, who bucked a sprained ankle he sustained in a PBA D-League playoff game for Blackwater.

“Our experience showed today (yesterday),” said UST coach Pido Jarencio in Filipino. He also took notice of their 21-year-old guard Ed Dacquioag, who had 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals.

“I know he can play like that and to tell you honestly, he has more to show. I hope he will continue to show it in the UAAP,” said Jarencio of Dacquioag.

The Chiefs, who finished a surprise second in Group A behind unbeaten National U, appeared headed for another upset win after fighting back to forge a deadlock at 49.

“We just kept attacking and attacking, that helped us,” said Abdul, who vowed to help the Tigers win the title this coming UAAP season after coming up short last year against Ateneo.