think rainbows

This game was unlike the first round encounter between UE and UST where UST led the entire game. This time, UE meant serious business, and they did just that. At first UST was leading, then suddenly, UE's shots started sinking in, and UST's defense wasn't working; at halftime UE was up 30-24.

Realizing that their final four stint is at a big risk here, the Tigers tightened their defense and worked on their rebounding and offense as they went on a 7-2 run early in the third quarter to cut the lead to just 1. UE got back the lead to 37-33 but the hardworking Abdul put UST to within a point, 37-36 just in time for the fourth quarter.

Paulo Pe gave UST the lead after his hook shot, and the Tigers never looked back from there. With barely two minutes left, and UST with the 43-39 advantage, UE just could not get anything rolling for them. UST on the other hand started rebounding solidly especially on the offensive end, and after a Jeric Teng triple, the lead was up, 49-41. Jeric Fortuna and Karim Abdul sealed the win for the Tigers, as UE's final four hopes died down.

Abdul was named player of the game after finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and three blocks.

It wasn't an all around good game for the Tigers as they were only shooting at 28%, but it was enough to give them the win. Defense was the key as they kept the Red Warriors to just 15 points in the last 20 minutes of the game. The Tigers will face Adamson on Saturday, September 3, and hope that momentum will stay on their side. They have to step up with their offense against the Falcons, and play tight defense the whole game if they want to beat the Adamson team.

Mathematically, final four hopes for NU and DLSU are still alive. I'm pretty sure they're wishing that UST starts losing and that they start winning. UST, on the other hand, should not let go of their advantage over these two teams. NU's still got Ateneo, Lasalle and UST. DLSU will still face UP, NU, and FEU. UST will still meet Adamson, FEU and NU. It's a tight race, UST's got their hands full, and it'll be a hard fought last three games. Things are looking bright for the team though. Consistency, tuloy tuloy lang, and 'wag tayong bibitaw. NEVER SAY DIE! BELIEVE! :)) Go USTe! Go Tigers! :)