INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- University of the East regained its dominating form for an 87-58 stomping of the University of the Philippines in the 71st UAAP men's basketball competition Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

Hans Thiele led the early charge as the Warriors jumped to a 27-12 start that stretched to a 40-point gap at 81-41.

The Warriors climbed to fourth place at 3-2 after halting a two-game skid, while the Maroons stumbled for the fourth straight time for a 1-4 record.

Thiele rebounded from listless performances with 15 points, five boards and two blocks, while James Martinez added 12 markers.

The Warriors coasted to a 46-20 halftime spread built on an impressive 50 percent shooting clip.

"We talked about our lack of aggressiveness in the last four games," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren. "We showed the real UE basketball and started strong right away."

The scores:
UE 87--Thiele 15, Martinez 12, Reyes 11, Llagas 10, Arellano 9, Lee 7, Acuña 5, Lingganay 5, Bandaying 4, Espiritu 4, Zamar 3, Noble 1, Flores 1, Duran 0.
UP 58--Co 11, Agbayani 10, Reyes 9, Gamboa 8, Lopez 6, Sison 4, Sorongon 4, De Asis 3, Braganza 2, Hipolito 1, Pajela 0, Astorga 0, Marfori 0, Dela Victoria 0, Maniego 0.
Quarters: 27-12, 46-20, 71-33, 87-58