Filoil: ‘Tired’ UE scrapes past Adamson for semis berth

MANILA, Philippines — From University of the East’s star point guard Roy Sumang down to its bench, the grueling preseason grind as the UAAP Season draws near is slowly taking its toll.

UE though, with whatever’s left in its tank, still found a way to beat Adamson, 66-58, and advance to the semifinals in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Monday at the Arena in San Juan.

“We are very tired and we don’t want to make that alibi,” Red Warriors coach Boycie Zamar, whose squad clashes with University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four on Friday, admitted. “Hindi pwede idahilan yun na not just because you’re tired. Once you put on that UE uniform, you have to be ready to play.

UE hardly appeared as a tired team at first as it zoomed to a 13-0 lead before Adamson, which had its first taste of the lead midway through the fourth quarter, started to get into its groove in the second half as the Red Warriors seemed to be half a step behind.

“Kitang kita talaga yung pagod nila, ayoko gawing dahilan pero it shows. Talagang lumabas yung pagod. It’s a sign that we’re weary but I think this win is a great motivation for us to be able to go up against UST,” Zamar added.

But just when the Falcons were about to take control, the Red Warriors responded through Sumang, who finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists to offset his six errors.

With the game still up-for-grabs, Sumang delivered the final blow — a left elbow jumper off a hesitation move — that made it, 64-56, with only 1:37 left.

Rodney Brondial paced the Falcons with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks but he drew futile support with Jericho Cruz held down way below his average.

Cruz, who came in averaging 19 points per game, was a non-factor with only six points on two-of-13 shooting from the field.