Amiel Acido’s late three-pointers lifted the UST Growling Tigers past the FEU Tamaraws, 86-85, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
FEU led 45-43 at halftime, but UST took over in the third quarter and carried a 69-63 lead into the final period. The Tamaraws chipped away in the fourth and pulled within one, but Acido answered with a big three to keep UST in front.
Cabs Cabonilas hit a three of his own to cut the deficit to one, 82-83, with 1:32 remaining. Acido came right back with another triple to make it 86-82 with 1:12 left. FEU then missed four straight three-point attempts, and Jorick Bautista’s three at the buzzer came too late.
“These two guys, Amiel and Landyn, they played their hearts out,” said UST assistant coach Peter Martin. “Amiel, I’m just telling him to shoot; he should have a minimum of eight three-point shots per game.”
Acido led the Growling Tigers with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Landyn Jumawan added 18 points, while Mark Llemit chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds.
For FEU, Bautista finished with 27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kirby Mongcopa had 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Cabonillas contributed 14 points.
NU Rallies Past La Salle for Crucial Win
Earlier that day, the NU Bulldogs came from behind to beat the La Salle Green Archers, 84-80.
La Salle led 61-58 entering the fourth quarter, but Reinhard Jumamoy took over, scoring 14 of his 21 points in the period. His three with 4:32 left capped a stretch of four triples and gave NU a 77-70 lead.
La Salle answered. Earl Abadam scored five straight points, Doy Dungo hit a three, and Jacob Cortez’s basket in his return from a knee injury gave the Green Archers an 80-79 lead with 2:04 left. In the final minute, Paul Francisco hit a three to put NU back on top, 82-80, and PJ Palacielo sealed the win with two free throws with three seconds remaining.
“Congratulations kay Reinhard kasi he’s been off through the past games. Medyo natamaan din siya sa shoulder before, so at least hats off sa kanya kung papaano niya dinala ’yung team. Hindi sila bumigay nung dulo kahit nagka-momentum ’yung La Salle,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
Jumamoy led the Bulldogs with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Mo Diassana added 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Palacielo chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
For La Salle, Dungo finished with 19 points and 4 assists. Henry Agunanne posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with 3 blocks. Joaquin Tovera had 12 points and 3 assists, while JC Macalalag and Abadam contributed 10 points each.
UST will next face the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, November 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Meanwhile, FEU will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, November 14, at 5:00 p.m. at the same venue.
NU will also face the Red Warriors on Saturday, November 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while La Salle takes on the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, November 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.
