NU repeats over UST, zeroes in on top spot

MANILA, Philippines - National U repeated over UST, 75-61, Saturday spoiling the return of Jeric Teng as the Bulldogs kept their record in the second round of the UAAP Season 76 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NU leaned on the exploits of backup guard Robin Rono, who exploded for career-high 19 points including four triples in the payoff period.

Rono hit a triple to every UST rally, the last one giving NU a six-point cushion, 63-57, after the Tigers trimmed the gap to just three, 60-57, entering the halfway mark.

The Bulldogs outscored the Tigers, 12-4, to run away with their fourth straight win as they went up to 7-3, just half game behind leader FEU Tamaraws, who sport a 7-2 card.

Dennis Villamor added 18 points while Ray Parks tallied 10 playing decoy this time.

Teng, who returned from a shoulder injury he suffered during their first round loss to NU, had another scary moment when he went down with a hamstring injury forcing him to go to the locker room.

UST had a sigh of relief as Teng returned to bench but their star helplessly watched his teammates lost steam in the fourth.

The Tigers skidded to 4-5 record.