It was the dynamic duo of brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso that helped the NU Bulldogs carve out their first win of the season at the expense of the UST Growling Tigers, 75-70, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Rookie Dave, the younger Ildefonso, led his team with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while Shaun, who also played in his first game for NU, added a double-double of 10 points and 11 boards. Troy Rike, meanwhile, also made his UAAP debut together with the Ildefonso brothers and had six points and seven rebounds.
"Of course, I'd like to thank the God Almighty for the win," said head coach Jamike Jarin. "The coaches are not satisfied. We played really good during the third quarter but we did not play selfless in the fourth. It's a sign that we are a young team but we need to mature fast."
The Bulldogs led by as much as 17 points but the Tigers showed great grit and determination, aiming to prove that they were not the Tigers of old.
Rookie and former Juniors MVP CJ Cansino showed his scoring prowess as he tallied 20 points, 10 in the fourth period, and added 10 rebounds. Renzo Subido also had11 points in the final frame as UST was making its run but he couldn't overcome a tough shooting night. Subido and veteran Marvin Lee combined for 8-for-43 from the field.
A basket by Steve Akomo cut the NU deficit to four points, 72-68, with less than two minutes to play. The Bulldogs were gaining ground but couldn't sustain the momentum. Tough breaks and careless mistakes led to a lay up from John Lloyd Clemente that pushed NU's lead to six with 25 seconds remaining, essentially securing the win.
As a team, the Tigers finished with 28 percent shooting despite outscoring the Bulldogs, 33-21 in the fourth quarter. They also won the rebounding battle, 59-49. Their primary concern was a lethargic third quarter when they only scored nine points and gave up 21 to NU.
"So a win is a win and you have to give credit to UST especially to its coaching staff led by coach Aldin Ayo," said Jarin as Ayo made his debut for UST after staying two years with the DLSU Green Archers.
Up next for Bulldogs are the UE Red Warriors who lost in their opening game against the UP Fighting Maroons.
"At least we have a week to prepare for UE. They're gonna come in better also from today's game," said Jarin.
THE SCORES
NU 75 - Ildefonso D 19, Ildefonso S 10, Joson 8, Clemente 6, Gaye 6, Rike 6, Aquino 4, Sinclair 4, Galinato 4, Yu 3, Gallego 3, Diputado 2, Morido 0
UST 70 - Cansino 20, Subido 15, Akomo 12, Lee 6, Caunan 6, Zamora 5, Huang 4, Bataller 2, Cosejo 0, Marcos 0, Bonleon 0
QUARTER SCORES: 14-14, 33-28, 54-37, 75-70