PASAY—Kevin Ferrer took over for UST in the second half to pip UP, 83-76, in the nightcap of the UAAP games at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The graduating swingman made 23 of his career-high 29 points in the final 20 minutes as the Growling Tigers withstood another gallant stand from the Fighting Maroons en route to the second Final Four berth secured this season.
UST led by 12, 63-51, with 9:43 left in the game.
But Jett Manuel and Diego Dario joined forces in leading UP's last hurrah that cut the gap to three, 71-68, with three minutes remaining.
Timely easy baskets from Ferrer and Kent Lao and clutch free throws helped UST pull away from UP for good.
Ferrer also collected a season-high 14 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the win that also drew the Tigers closer to a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis as they reopened a two-game lead over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who won earlier Sunday, for second place.
Manuel finished with 21 points for the Maroons, which fell to two games behind the De La Salle Green Archers for fourth place.
Box Scores:
UST 83-Ferrer 29, Vigil 16, Daquioag 15, Abdul 10, Lao 7, Lee 3, Subido 3, Sheriff 0, Bonleon 0
UP 76-Manuel 21, Amar 12, Dario 11, Desiderio 10, Asilum 5, Jaboneta 5, Moralde 4, Vito 4, Gallarza 2, Kone 2, Juruena 0, Harris 0, Longa 0
Quarterscores: 15-11, 38-35, 61-51, 83-76
Follow the writer on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
The graduating swingman made 23 of his career-high 29 points in the final 20 minutes as the Growling Tigers withstood another gallant stand from the Fighting Maroons en route to the second Final Four berth secured this season.
UST led by 12, 63-51, with 9:43 left in the game.
But Jett Manuel and Diego Dario joined forces in leading UP's last hurrah that cut the gap to three, 71-68, with three minutes remaining.
Timely easy baskets from Ferrer and Kent Lao and clutch free throws helped UST pull away from UP for good.
Ferrer also collected a season-high 14 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the win that also drew the Tigers closer to a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis as they reopened a two-game lead over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who won earlier Sunday, for second place.
Manuel finished with 21 points for the Maroons, which fell to two games behind the De La Salle Green Archers for fourth place.
Box Scores:
UST 83-Ferrer 29, Vigil 16, Daquioag 15, Abdul 10, Lao 7, Lee 3, Subido 3, Sheriff 0, Bonleon 0
UP 76-Manuel 21, Amar 12, Dario 11, Desiderio 10, Asilum 5, Jaboneta 5, Moralde 4, Vito 4, Gallarza 2, Kone 2, Juruena 0, Harris 0, Longa 0
Quarterscores: 15-11, 38-35, 61-51, 83-76
Follow the writer on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno