NU survives late UST run for first win in UAAP 81

The National University (NU) Bulldogs survived a late run of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers to bag their first win in the 81st season of the UAAP, 75-70.

Trailing behind NU by 17 entering the fourth period, rookie CJ Cansino, together with Renzo Subido and Steve Akomo, combined for 31 of UST's 33 points against NU's 21 markers in the last quarter.

JUST IN: NU Bulldogs survive late UST run, 75-70. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/i67A8IMZSA

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) September 8, 2018

However, the third quarter storm by the Sampaloc-based squad, making 21 points against UST's nine to end at 54-37, proved enough to deliver a win for the blue and gold team.

NU coach Jamike Jarin said, "We played really good on the third quarter and we didn't play selfless on the fourth quarter. That only shows that we're really a very young team. That's what I've been telling these young men that we need to mature fast in order to compete in this season."

However, he is still thankful with the win, saying "A win is a win."

Rookie Dave Ildefonso led the Bulldogs with 19 points and seven rebounds. Asked about his first win in the seniors' league, he said, "'Yung laro namin ngayon, it's all about God and I'm really thankful and I'm blessed."

The Bulldogs will next see action against the UE Red Warriors on Sunday. UST, meanwhile, will face the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday.

Scores:

NU: Ildefonso, D - 19, Ildefonso, S - 10, Joson - 8, Clemente - 6, Gaye - 6, Rike - 6, Aquino - 4, Sinclair - 4, Galinato - 4, Yu - 3, Gallego - 3, Diputado - 2.

UST: Cansino - 20, Subido - 15, Akomo - 12, Lee - 6, Enrique - 6, Zamora - 5, Huang - 4, Batalier - 2.

— MDM, GMA News