UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers came within a basket of the NSAC World Invitational title but its struggles from the free-throw line proved costly as Fighting Eagles Nagoya escaped with a 92-91 victory Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasay City.
The Growling Tigers had ample opportunities to take control of the championship game but converted only 12 of 25 free-throw attempts, a 48-percent clip that ultimately made the difference in the one-point loss.
Collins Akowe, who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, was particularly affected as he made only eight of 16 attempts from the charity stripe.
UST also mounted a late comeback after Nagoya appeared to take control in the closing minutes.
Trey Tinkle hit a three-pointer with 1:57 remaining to turn UST’s 85-84 lead into an 87-85 Nagoya advantage. The Japanese side then stretched the margin to 91-85 before the Tigers responded with a 5-0 run.
Landyn Jumawan drilled a three-pointer at the final buzzer, but UST ran out of time as Nagoya held on for the championship.
Jumawan finished with 20 points, while Amiel Acido added 18 for UST.
Tinkle led Nagoya with 24 points, including three three-pointers, while Nelson Phillips scored 16. Former University of the Philippines standout Francis Lopez contributed 22 points and seven rebounds and was named Finals Most Valuable Player.
San Beda University Red Lions salvaged third place after edging Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 70-69, in the bronze-medal game. (Adrian Co)
