University of Santo Tomas’ Mark Llemit against University of the East in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Mark Llemit continued to stamp his class as University of Santo Tomas’ leader, delivering a career-best performance to help his squad overcome one of University of the East’s better outings in UAAP Season 89.
The fourth-year Growling Tiger fired 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, including five crucial points in the fourth quarter as UST held off the Red Warriors’ late surge for a 98-87 victory and its second straight win in three outings.
However, the 6-foot-3, 22-year-old guard was quick to downplay his performance, saying his numbers were a product of UST’s system.
“Hindi ko naman iniisip na ako lang lagi yung gagawa,” Llemit told ABS-CBN News after also shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field. “Yung team namin ngayon, kung sino yung mainit, yung may kumpyansa, doon kami pumupunta.”
Llemit’s big night came timely for UST, which was without one of its key cogs in Gelo Crisostomo, who is out with a sprain to his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“Nung nalaman namin na ‘di makakalaro si Gelo, nag-usap-usap kami,” said Llemit. “Lalo na yung mga kaposisyon niya, na kailangang mag-step-up. Si Gelo kasi, malaking bagay sa amin both on offense and defense.”
The response from the Llemit-led Growling Tigers pleased UST head coach Pido Jarencio, who said their ability to adjust is exactly what he expects from his players.
“Yung mga players, medyo nakapag-adjust na. And may 12, 13, 14 players akong pwedeng gamitin, kaya happy ako sa group of players na andito,” said the fiery mentor.
While Crisostomo is expected to return at some point in the second round, Llemit knows he must sustain that responsibility — whether through his numbers or in other ways — as he looks to repay the trust given to him by Jarencio and his staff.
“Ginagamit ko lang yung binigay nilang tiwala sa akin,” he said. “Thankful ako na nakuha ko yun, pero yung coaches nagtitiwala kasi sa akin.”
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