UAAP: UST upsets NU to book Final Four berth

The University of Santo Tomas pulled off an 80-71 upset against top-seeded National University in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena to secure a spot in the Final Four.

NU had led 53–48 with 2:38 remaining in the third quarter, but UST responded with a 10–0 run to close the period, taking a 58–53 lead.

From there, the España-based squad continued to press in the final frame and eventually sealed its Final Four ticket.

Gelo Crisostomo contributed 13 points, five rebounds, a steal, and a block, while Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido, and Collins Akowe chipped in 11 points apiece. Akowe also grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out three assists as UST clinched the third seed, ending the elimination round with an 8–5 record.

For NU, Omar John posted 12 points and 11 boards, and Nath Tulabut added 10 points. The top-seeded Bulldogs closed the eliminations at 10–3.

UST will face UP in the Final Four, while NU must wait for the result of the final elimination game — as Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University battle for the last playoff spot — to determine its semifinal opponent.

Scores:

UST 80 – Crisostomo 13, Akowe 11, Llemit 11, Acido 11, Paranada 9, Cabañero 9, Padrigao 8, Buenaflor 7, Estacio 1, Laure 0, Calum 0.

NU 71 – John 12, Tulabut 10, Garcia 9, Manansala 8, Palacielo 6, Padrones 6, Dela Cruz 4, Parks 4, Francisco 3, Figueroa 3, Jumamoy 3, Enriquez 3, Solomon 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 37-38, 58-53, 80-71.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News