UAAP: Llemit shines as UST holds off UE scare for second straight win

MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas held off University of the East’s late surge for a 98-87 victory in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Growling Tigers avoided squandering a 23-point lead as the Red Warrios came within single digits, with Mark Llemit delivering crucial baskets to finish with his career-best 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

“Marunong din naman mag-basketball yung kalaban, pero kami naman, at least, steady,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio, as they overcame UE’s best outing this season. “As long as we get that win, basta manalo, okay lang yun.”

Amiel Acido followed with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists on 7-of-10 shooting, while Collins Akowe was a force with 14 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks, and two assists as UST clinched its second straight victory in three outings.

It was Llemit, however, who proved vital for UST down the stretch.

With the Red Warriors cutting the deficit to six midway through the final period, Llemit scored on a two-pointer to push the lead back to eight, 88-80, with 4:33 remaining.

Gene Carillo answered with a triple to keep UE within striking distance, but Llemit responded with a three-pointer of his own to put UST ahead, 92-83, and effectively shut the door on the Red Warriors.

Despite absorbing their fourth straight loss in UAAP Season 89, the Red Warriors showed marked improvement after losing their first three games by an average of 23.3 points.

Toper Lagat led UE with 22 points, while Mo Tanedo added 16, but their efforts were not enough as the Red Warriors extended their losing streak to 24 games dating back to Round 2 of UAAP Season 87 in 2024.

UST 98 – Llemit 22, Acido 16, Akowe 14, Junawan 13, Buenaflor 8, Chio 6, Cañete 5, Danting 4, Esteban 3, Manding 3, Porter 2, Bucsit 2, Alao 0, J. Sevilla 0.

UE 87 – Lagat 22, Tañedo 16, Cruz-Dumont 12, Carillo 10, Robles 7, Edoukou 4, Santos 4, Jimenez 4, Sabroso 3, Vazquez 3, Mascarinas 2, Dungca 0.

Quarterscores: 24-19, 52-33, 75-61, 98-87.