Tigers get lift from rookie Basibas, nip Maroons

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie Regie Boy Basibas gave undermanned University of Santo Tomas a huge lift as the embattled Tigers trounced University of the Philippines, 77-65, to keep their Final Four aspirations alive Wednesday in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball at the MOA Arena.

Basibas, a recruit from Leyte who was virtually under the radar in the earlier games, made his presence felt and banged in 16 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to fill in for injured Kevin Ferrer (hand) and Ed Daquiaog (ankle) in the must-win game.

Karim Abdul fired 21 markers, collared 12 boards and had four blocks to lead UST, which improved to an even 5-5 in a tie for fifth with idle University of the East.

“Buhay pa sa Final Four,” said UST mentor Bong dela Cruz. “Kailangan lang one game at a time, one possession at a time, every possession counts. Yan ngayon ang battlecry namin.”

After logging a total of two points and four rebounds the whole season, Basibas seized the spotlight and played a solid 29 minutes, making five of his nine tries and accounting for eight offensive boards. The former Arellano junior star shot eight markers in the fourth to help UST pull away for good.

“May mga injured players kami kaya kailangan may mag-step up. Si Basibas ang gumawa nun,” said Dela Cruz of his lanky forward. “He’s an athletic kid. Mataas ang basketball skills at every practice go-hard siya. Ayun, lumabas sa laro.”

With the win, UST moved two wins off fourth-running Ateneo and NU (7-3).

“Kailangan naming manalo every game. Basta we work hard at magpakita ng puso – yun ang nawawala sa amin lately,” said dela Cruz.

Aljon Mariano and Louie Vigil added 13 and 11, respectively, while freshman Renzo Subido took care of quarterbacking chores with Sheak Sheriff in foul trouble, logging seven markers and issuing five assists.

Mikee Reyes put in 22 points to pace UP, which dropped to 1-9. The Maroons played the last three quarters without coach Rey Madrid, who was ejection late in the first on account of back-to-back technical fouls for entering the court and vehemently protesting a non-call.

Madrid's ejection fired up the Maroons who battled the Tigers tooth and nail and even led at 53-51 late in the third.

The Maroons were just within two, 54-56, before the Tigers launched an 11-2 salvo to break away, 67-56, going to the last 3:45.