UST topples NU in historic win, books finals showdown with La Salle

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas beat the odds to take the last slot in the Finals after disposing top-seeded National University, 76-69, in the semifinals of the 67th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday night.

Team captain Jeric Teng paced the Growling Tigers with 19 markers while Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano added 18 and 12 points, respectively, as UST made history by being the first fourth placer squad to upset the first seed since the Final Four was instituted.

"Speechless ako, di ko akalain na aabot kami ng finals. Maraming tao ang dududa sa kakayahan ng team na ito," said a teary-eyed UST mentor Pido Jarencio, who had a hard time talking and left the press room abruptly.

UST was still in a bind with 4:25 left in the payoff period looking at a 59-61 deficit, but third-year forward Ferrer unleashed a booming triple to give the lead back to the España-based squad.

Ferrer’s trey jumpstarted a crucial 11-0 blast from the Tigers that saw them build a 70-61 upperhand capped by a free throw from Mariano with 46.3 left.

NU kept on fighting by fouling in the offensive end and made some triples but UST prevailed in the end by wisely using the clock and sinking crucial charities.

"Sobrang saya ng feeling. Sabi nga nila history; ito yung first time mananalo ang fourth seed against number one," said Ferrer.

"Ang masasabi ko lang, destiny ito para sa amin," he added.

Two-time MVP Ray Parks led the Bulldogs with 15 points while Jean Mbe and Gelo Alolino chipped in 10 point each in their losing effort.

UST will face La Salle in a best-of-three finals affair that will start on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.