UAAP: UST vs NU round two preview and live-scoring

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Two teams going in opposite directions clash on Saturday when the surging National University Bulldogs collide against the reeling University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Round one encounter

UST had just won their first two games of the season, but ran into a crucial injury that prevented them from completing a late comeback against NU, last July 10.

King Tiger Jeric Teng hurt his shoulder after being shoved from behind by Bulldog Jeoffrey Javillonar, late in the second period, as NU boasted of a 37-31 lead at the break.

NU went up big, 54-42, late in the penultimate quarter, but a series of splits at the line by the Bulldogs come the fourth allowed Kevin Ferrer to tow his side within five, 67-52, with 38 seconds left in the game. However, it became the Tigers' turn to miss charities with under 20 ticks to go, as they went 2-of-5, and Troy Rosario and Robin Roño hit two more freebies to seal the deal, 71-67.

UST outlook

The Tigers' injury woes continued last Thursday when forward Aljon Mariano hurt his left ankle and had to be carried off the floor in their 68-67 loss to UE. As a result, he played just 14 minutes, and despite 23 points from Karim Abdul, UST was unable to prevent themselves from losing their third game in their last four outings.

However, it was recently announced that gunner Jeric Teng would return after a five-game absence. If he's near full-strength, he could give the UST backcourt a huge boost, although Clark Bautista and Ed Daquioag did combine for 25 markers versus the Red Warriors.

NU outlook

Fresh off inflicting the first loss of the season on the FEU Tamaraws, NU went and clobbered the now-slumping Adamson Falcons, 80-48, as their defense has ramped up to suffocating levels.

At the end of the first round, NU had the best scoring defense, giving up just 66.1 points per game to their foes. That number has now dropped to 63.2 points conceded, including just 53 markers in the last two outings. Leading that charge has been guard Will Porter, who has been added to the starting line-up. He's shut down Terrence Romeo and Jericho Cruz in back-to-back outings, and could add someone like Jeric Teng to his tally after this game. - AMD, GMA News