MANILA – Rhenz Abando got his game going when it mattered the most and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers cruised to an 87-74 overtime win over the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Struggling in the first three quarters, Abando spearheaded Tigers’ run late in the fourth quarter with two three-point conversions to turn a 63-68 deficit to a 70-all count forcing overtime.
The Tigers continued to pour it on in the extension period as three-pointers by Abando and Sherwin Concepcion and an inside hit from Soulemane Chabi Yo gave them an 81-73 edge.
Abando finished the match with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists as the Growling Tigers bounced back from their 71-70 loss to Ateneo Blue Eagles to improve to 3-1 win-loss slate.
Chabi Yo led the Growling Tigers with 23 points, 20 rebounds and four assists while rookie Sherwin Concepcion got career-high 13 points and six rebounds.
“Sinwerte kami sa dulo,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo. “We did not play our game sa first three and a half quarters pero buti nag-pick up kami sa last five minutes ng fourth quarter.”
Dave Ildefonso top-scored with 16 points and six rebounds while John Lloyd Clemente added 12 points and seven boards as the Bulldogs slumped to its third consecutive defeat in as many games.
Meanwhile, Bright Akhuetie canned two free throws in the final seconds as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons escaped with an 83-82 overtime win over Adamson University Falcons./PN
