MANILA, Philippines – The UST Growling Tigers survived an exciting duel against a hard-fighting La Salle Green Archers side, hacking out a thrilling 63-58 overtime victory in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Saturday.
An ailing Aljon Mariano saved the day for the Tigers in the endgame when he sank three crucial free throws.
"Si Aljon hindi pa 100 percent yan. Nagka-sprained ankle yan 10 days before ng UAAP pero kinausap ko yung bata, palaban talaga at gustong maglaro," said UST Coach Pido Jarencio.
"Sa huli, siya din ang nakatulong sa amin pero next game namin 100 percent na siya," he added.
Karim Abdul scored the first five points to give UST a 56-51 lead early in the extension period. LA Revilla responded with a daredevil drive to stop the bleeding for La Salle.
Jeric Teng drilled in a baseline jumper but Almond Vosotros countered with a triple to cut the Tigers’ lead, 56-58, with 1:33 remaining.
UST designed a backdoor play for Teng that got him to the free throw line. He then sank both charities to give the Espana-based cagers breathing room, 60-56, with 33 ticks left.
Rookie Jason Perkins had another basket to give La Salle’s final basket before Mariano nailed his clutch free throws.
"Siguro opening game jitters na din kasi panget ang laro ng both teams. Medyo sinuwerte na lang kami sa huli," said Jarencio.
Down 44-50, the Archers closed the payoff period with 7-1 run to force overtime as Perkins drained the tying basket with 11.7 seconds left. Jeric Teng had the chance to win the game in regulation but missed a jumper.
Teng fired 23 points to lead UST while Abdul finished with a double-double performance of 17 markers and 10 boards.
"Jeric is an all-around player. Fifth year na niya na-develop na niya ang post move niya and consistent na din ang outside shooting niya. Siya na din talaga ang aasahan namin lalo sa endgame," said Jarencio.
Vosotros and Perkins scored 13 points each to lead the Archers, who missed the services of Jeron Teng in overtime after fouling out in the regulation period.