NU escapes winless UST

(NU big man Issa Gaye attempting a shot over UST forward Enric Caunan. Photo by Marlo Cueto/spin.ph)

The National University (NU) Bulldogs crushed the luckless University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 91-83, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament, on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

NU vital cogs Issa Gaye and Matt Salem combined to score 19 points in the third frame, which resulted to NU taking the lead at end of the frame, 69-61.

The Bulldogs shot a scorching 39/72 clip, good for 54.17%.

Tigers played inspired basketball in the first half, as they were aggressive enough at both ends of the court to lead at halftime, 43-40.

Gaye registered a career-high 22 points and six blocks, most in season 80. Salem added 22 markers including four triples.

Steve Akomo led the Tigers with a double-double, 16 points and 12 rebounds. Marvin Lee followed with 15 points and three rebounds.

NU improved their W-L record to 4-6, keeping their final four chances alive.

UST continued its worst season in UAAP history, sinking to 0-10. The next three games of UST will be against AdU, DLSU, and ADMU, the top three teams this season.

NU will next face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. DARLAIGNE SUPSUPIN