UAAP stepladder semis: Tigers hold off Maroons, force do-or-die for 2nd finals berth

By Kristel Satumbaga

Game Wednesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

12 noon – UST vs FEU (women’s)

4 p.m. – UST vs UP (men’s)

University of Santo Tomas breathed life into its finals campaign on Sunday with an 89-69 victory over University of the Philippines in UAAP season 82 men’s basketball stepladder semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers paced the game throughout behind the efforts of Soulemane Chabi Yo and Rhenz Abando to forge a knockout duel for the remaining finals berth on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Abando fired 17 points and collared seven rebounds even as Chabi Yo unloaded 17 points, 15 boards and four steals.

The win not only kept UST alive but also reaffirmed its mastery over UP following 85-69 and 84-78 elimination-round victories.

Three others also scored in double figures for the Tigers with Mark Nonoy pumping in 16 points, Sherwin Concepcion adding 12 and CJ Cansino contributing 12.

UST coach Aldin Ayo said it all boiled down to playing their roles.

“It’s all about execution. Lahat ng instructions ko sinusunod ng players. We were connected out there,” he said.

Inspired by their 81-71 win over Far Eastern University in the first stepladder round, UST continued its hot shooting behind the arc banked on Concepcion, Abando and Nonoy.

The Tigers rifled 11 three-pointers compared to the Maroons’ three treys.

The Maroons came as close as 70-61 in the last 4:38 of the game, but the Tigers erupted with a 15-4 blast highlighted by three triples from Concepcion and Nonoy for 85-65, 50 seconds left.

UP lost its fight with Chabi Yo sealing the game with a slam.

UST smoked the field early with a 14-of-31 shooting in the first half for 45 percent anchored on Abando, CJ Cansino and Renzo Subido.

The Tigers uncorked an 18-7 edge and padded the lead to 35-18 after six straight points from Cansino, Chabi Yo and Abando, 2:45 to go.

The España-based crew took a 41-24 advantage at the half highlighted by five triples, with Abando already firing 12 points and Cansino and Subido combining for 14 points.

In the second quarter, the Maroons only managed four field goals.

Juan Gomez de Liaño finished with 20 points, Bright Akhuetie had 19 points and 18 boards, and Ricci Rivero posted 12 points for UP but their efforts fell short.

Scores:

UST 89 — Abando 17, Chabi Yo 17, Nonoy 16, Concepcion 12, Cansino 11, Subido 8, Ando 4, Huang 2, Paraiso 2, Bataller 0.

UP 69 — Ju. Gomez de Liano 20, Akhuetie 19, Rivero 12, Paras 9, Webb 4, Ja. Gomez de Liano 3, Tungcab 2, Jaboneta 0, Mantilla 0, Manzo 0, Murrell 0, Prado 0, Spencer 0.

Quarters: 19-13, 41-24, 60-47, 89-69.

Source: Manila Bulletin