MANILA, Philippines - UST bucked the absence of team captain Jeric Teng and thwarted Adamson University, 80-67, in the 76th season of the UAAP men's basketball tourney at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Karim Abdul provided a sterling double-double performance with 19 markers and 12 boards while Eduardo Daquioag and Aljon Mariano chipped in 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the España-based squad.
"Key sa game na ito yung leadership at nag-step up si Karim Abdul," said UST coach Pido Jarencio.
"Si Aljon nag-step up na din. May mga binunot tayo tulad ni (Sheak) Sheriff, ayun pinag-huhuli niya mga kalaban," Jarencio added, eliciting laughter in the post-game press conference.
UST banked on an explosive fourth quarter, which included a crucial 8-0 zip at the midway point of the period with Daquioag drilling two triples to sandwich Mariano's floater as the team took a 66-55 breather with 4:57 remaining.
The Tigers maintained their lead with a 29-point fourth quarter output to take the win, improve their record to 5-5 and grab solo sixth spot.
Jarencio lamented his team’s injury woes the whole season and stressed the hole left by the injury of their leader Teng.
"Daming injuries sa team namin. Hindi ko alam yung pagkawala ni Jeric, nawala yung leadership sa team, nawala yung laro namin," said Jarencio.
"Sinasabi ko lang sa mga bata wag ng ipakita kung may iniinda kasi magiging target sila," he added.
Despite a gloomy outlook, Jarencio is still hopeful that the Tigers will make it to the Final Four.
"Mabigat itong last four games namin. Sana mga tatlo kami dun at matalo ibang teams. Kung mag kakaroon ng playoff, laban lang kami," Jarencio said.
Rodney Brondial finished with 15 points while Jericho Cruz added 13 points for the Falcons, who have lost their sixth straight game for a 3-8 slate.