By MARK REY MONTEJO
Forthsky Padrigao proved he has nerves of steel when it mattered the most as University of Santo Tomas survived National University, 67-64, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Sept. 21.
Padrigao, who finished with eight points and five assists, drilled a stepback jumper at the top of the key with 29 seconds remaining to spoil Steve Nash Enriquez and Jake Figeroa’s second half rampage for the Bulldogs.
With the victory, UST improved to 3-1 for third place while NU dropped to 1-3 in the 8-team tournament.
Mo Tounkara and Nic Cabanero also starred especially down the stretch for the Pido Jarencio-mentored squad when NU was threatening to turn things around
in the fourth quarter.
Tounkara topscored with 15 points along with 10 rebounds while Cabanero added 10. Christian Manaytay also finished in double digits with 14 points.
Enriquez (17) and Figueroa (11) conspired for 28 points including the former’s three triples in third canto, however, their efforts went down the drain.
The first half was a struggle before Enriquez suddenly caught fire from beyond the arc.
Enriquez and Kenshin Padrones combined forces which carried NU to a 47-39 cushion – its largest lead throughout the game – heading into the final frame.
Though the momentum looked like it was on the side of Jhocson-based crew until UST struck back through Cabanero, Manaytay and Tounkara.
A Padrigao layup pushed the Growling Tigers back on top, 61-60, with under three minutes left.
Padrigao shattered a 61-all count by firing a big time stepback en route to their win.
NU tried to extend the affair but Figueroa missed his two attempts.
Meanwhile in the battle of undefeated squads in women’s basketball, NU (4-0) prevailed over UST (3-1), 75-69, for its fourth straight wins and solo lead.
Jainaba Konateh, who only played 15 minutes, impressed with 17 points – 11-of-12 came from the line – and nine rebounds while Angelica Surada tallied a double-double output of 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs.
With their loss, the Growling Tigresses wound up in second place with a 3-1 win-loss card.
In the second duel, Adamson (3-1) climbed up to ladder and tied UST in the standings as it turned back Ateneo (2-2), 77-72.
Elaine Etang dazzled anew for the Lady Falcons, listing 15 points while Kacey dela Rosa put up 10 points and 18 rebounds for Ateneo in a losing effort. (sent with love effect)
