UAAP: Llemit says it’s still live by the three, die by the three for UST

University of Santo Tomas’ Mark Llemit against National University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Win or lose, it has been live by the three, die by the three for University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.

The Growling Tigers lead the league in total three-point attempts after 10 games, making 98 of their 323 shots from beyond the arc for a 30.34 % clip, the third-best mark in the tournament so far.

But while those numbers have translated to just four wins against six losses, team captain Mark Llemit emphasized that the approach will remain UST’s bread and butter with only four games left in its schedule.

“Nagkulang kami roon, pero yun talaga yung [sistema] namin,” said Llemit, who had 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds in the Tigers’ 75-71 loss to National University on Saturday, where they shot just 13-of-40 from beyond the arc.

“Yun talaga yung offense namin. Andoon talaga,” he stressed.

The setback was UST’s third straight loss, coming a week after the Tigers knocked down a Season 89-high 17 three-pointers in a 92-80 defeat to De La Salle University.

But for Llemit, their reliance on the outside shot is not the reason behind UST’s struggles.

Instead, the veteran swingman said it is their defense that needs improvement.

“May mga small details na nakakalimutan kaming mga players,” he said. “Nakalatag naman yung mga dapat naming gawin, pero may times na ’di namin magawa yung game plan namin.”

“Na-outrebound pa kami, and may mga details na kailangan pang i-improve,” he added, as NU’s frontline dominated UST in rebounding, 59-29, and points in the paint, 46-16.

Llemit admitted that it has been difficult to deal with the team’s recent struggles as its Final Four hopes become more complicated heading into the crucial stretch of the season.

“Masakit talaga. Gusto naming kunin yung win sana,” he said.

Still, the fourth-year forward remains hopeful that things will turn around for the Tigers.

“Wala pa naman. May last four games pa naman kami. So iisa-isahin lang namin. Babawi kami,” he said.