Concepcion UST gunner Sherwin Concepcion: 3×3 MVP. UAAP photo

UST rallies to beat La Salle, wins 3×3 crown

June 4, 2022 Theodore P. Jurado 354 views

CALATAGAN, Batangas — Sherwin Concepcion drilled in six two-pointers as University of Santo Tomas rallied from nine points down to beat La Salle, 21-20, and annex the men’s crown of the UAAP 3×3 tournament at CaSoBe Resort here.

The Growling Tigers never gave up despite being down by 5-14, with Concepcion, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds, taking over to become the tournament MVP.

Concepcion drained in the title-sealing two-pointer, UST’s only lead in the finale.

“Hanggat may oras lalaban kami. Tiwala sa akin mga teammates ko. Mabuti at pumasok lang. Tira lang ako ng tira,” said Concepcion.

In the women’s division, National University completed a perfect 8-0 season with a 21-18 win over UST.

The 3×3 victory was some sort of redemption for the Tigers from their disappointing seventh place campaign in the recently-concluded men’s basketball season.

“Gusto po naming bumawi para sa UST community,” said Concepcion.

Camille Clarin had eight points and eight rebounds, while MVP Kristine Cayabyab had six points, including the championship-sealing putback off a Clarin missed two-pointer in the 59.6 seconds for the Lady Bulldogs.

This is both school’s first official title as 3×3 is now included in the league general championship race.

Donn Lim drilled in a key two-pointer in the final 56 seconds as La Salle clinched the first Finals slot in men’s with a 19-17 win over NU.

A lay-up by JM Crisostomo put the Bulldogs to 17-18 before Emman Galman’s free throw off a Crisostomo foul with 27 seconds left was enough for the Green Archers to seal the deal.

Sherwin Concepcion towed UST in eliminating UP, 21-12, to arrange a title duel with La Salle.

Angel Surada’s game-winner in the final four seconds gave NU the first Finals slot with a 21-20 victory over Ateneo.

UST made it to the title match following a 21-11 win over UP, in the other Final Four pairing.

It was a tough loss for the Blue Eagles, who finished fourth in women’s play, as Jhazmin Joson kept her team in the thick of things until in the dying moments.

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