Mark Nonoy tows UST to victory over UP

UST Growling Tigers rookie Mark Nonoy proved he belongs to the big league after listing 16 points to bring the España-based squad to victory over the UP Fighting Maroons, 85-69, Saturday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST dominated the final period, making 22 points over UP’s 11. The State U team had a hard time catching up with the Tigers, thanks to triples made by Mark Nonoy and Renzo Subido late in the game.

The Diliman-based squad outscored UST in the third quarter, 21-19, to end it with just a deficit of five, 63-58, heading into the fourth quarter.

UST led the way in the first quarter, 19-15, while UP made 25 against UST’s 22 to end the first half at 44-37.

For UST head coach Aldin Ayo, their win against last year's runner-up is not really a "statement" win.

"Hindi ko iniisip na statement win kasi, siguro sa paper, very talented talaga 'yung UP, pero lahat naman napapaghandaan. Isang laro lang naman ito. Meron pang dose eh," Ayo said.

Nonoy, who is a product of the UST juniors basketball program, said this game is a chance to redeem himself after having rookie jitters during their game against UE.

"Noong first game kasi, siyempre rookie, siyempre nandun 'yung jitters sa akin. Umaasa sila na gagawa ako. Noong first game, di ako nakapag-contribute. This game, nakapag-adjust ako, bumawi," the first year player said.

Aside from Nonoy, four other UST players registered double-digit points. Big man Chabi Chabiyo made 18 points and 18 rebounds. Subido, on the other hand, listed 13, Rhenz Abando made 12, while Abando scored 10 points.

Bright Akhuetie had a double-double performance with 15 points and 16 rebounds, but for head coach Bo Perasol, that is not the kind of game UP wants to bring to their next match.

"No doubt in my mind that we don't deserve to win that game. Playing is simple, UST just outplayed us. We just showed a crack on our team that we need to address," he said.

"Good thing about it is that this is very early," Perasol added.

Prized recruit Kobe Paras still did not play this game but Perasol said he'll be ready for the next game.

UST now has two wins while UP has a 1-1 record. — MDM, GMA News