UST makes historic feat after ousting NU in semis

THE UNIVERSITY of Santo (UST) Tomas Growling Tigers made history as they became the first fourth-ranked team to oust the top-seed and advance to the finals after they beat the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 76-69, in their do-or-die game in the Final Four of the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tigers deftly pounced on the erratic play of the Bulldogs down the stretch with timely makes from Kevin Ferrer, Aljon Mariano and Jon Sheriif. With the win, UST set up a date with the La Salle Green Archers in  Game One of the best-of-three championship series scheduled on Wednesday.

NU had the lead for the last time at 61-59 when Ferrer pulled up and made a three-pointer in transition to put UST in front, 62-61.

Then Karim Abdul, hobbled by foul trouble all game, added a lay-up while Sheriff swished two freethrows not long after for a 66-61 lead with 2:27 left. Sheriff sealed the win as he stole the ball off an errant pass by Robin Rono and made a lay-up for a 69-61 cushion with 53.8 seconds left.   /Correspondent Jonas Panerio