The UST Growling Tigers were outwitted by the NU Bulldogs, 62-67, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Nic Cabañero led UST in firepower with 19 points, one rebound, and three assists while Mo Tounkara notched 15 points, 18 rebounds, and two assists in the losing effort.

UST opened up the game with a swift 6-0 run through Tounkara’s three-straight buckets from inside the paint.

NU bit back and unleashed a 19-6 run triggered by baskets from PJ Palacielo and Jolo Manansala to end the first quarter up by seven, 12-19.

The España-based squad gained momentum in the second canto after combined efforts from Christian Manaytay, Cabañero and Tounkara enabled the Tigers to cut the lead down to four, 24-28.

Kyle Paranada and Forthsky Padrigao drained huge long bombs to tie the game at 32-apiece while strong finishes from Tounkara and Manaytay allowed UST to lead by two by halftime, 36-34.

Ice Danting spearheaded a 15-6 run in the third quarter while Cabañero’s shot from outside the perimeter gave UST its largest lead of the game, 51-38.

Manansala and Jake Figueroa kept NU afloat after converting three shots from downtown to end the quarter only down by eight 47-55.

The Bulldogs tore down UST’s eight point advantage at the start of the fourth quarter with Manansala draining the go-ahead basket, 59-58.

Figueroa drained another dagger to the heart and soon followed it up with a slam dunk to secure a six point lead for NU, 64-58.

Paranada kept UST’s hopes alive after converting a three-point shot late in the quarter to bring the lead down to three, 61-64.

The Tigers failed to convert crucial layups in the waning moments of the game, ultimately allowing NU to pull away through charity shots, 62-67.

Manansala commanded NU’s offense, racking up 18 markers, seven rebounds, and two assists while Palacielo and Figueroa combined for 28 points in the Bulldogs’ winning effort.

UST remain in fourth with a 5-7 record and are set to face the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Araneta Coliseum.