UST thwarts Malayan, rules Summer League

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas High School proved steadier down the stretch to subdue Malayan School of Science, 85-81, and capture the 2014 Summer League basketball tournament crown at Dapitan Sports Complex yesterday.

Erik Marcelo and Patrick Capena carried the fight for the Tiger Cubs in repulsing Malayan, which trailed by only two at the half, 42-44 in the tightly-fought contest.

Denniel Aguire led Malayan’s losing cause with 24 points and Laurenz Victoria added 11 markers.

The Allan Ascue-coached UST finished the eliminations with a 4-1 card, behind Malayan’s 5-0 card. The top two teams clashed in the championship after organizers decided to do away with the Final Four in observance of the Holy Week.

Malayan settled for a runner-up finish in the tournament co-presented by the Manila Sports Council and Fusian Marketing and organized by the Manila Inter-Commercial Athletic Association with support from AUB, PNB, Emperador Light and media partner Manila Bulletin.

MICAA director Abe Giron awarded the champion’s trophy to the UST High School team and runner-up Malayan.