AXEL Iñigo (right) of Adamson reaches in to swipe the ball away from Roi Sumang of UE in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Sustaining its surprise run, University of the East rolled past Adamson, 66-58, yesterday to clinch a Final Four berth in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Roi Sumang pumped in 18 points, including six in a 14-4 windup, to lead UE to the next round where the Warriors will face the University of Santo Tomas Tigers.
The Tigers nailed the first semifinal berth after toppling higher-seeded Arellano, 83-73, in the other knockout quarterfinal match.
“We have everything to gain,” UE coach Boycie Zamar said of his Warriors, who finished near bottom in last season’s UAAP yet clinched the No. 1 spot in Group B with a 6-2 record.
“We don’t have the advantage here, because remember, we were seventh in the UAAP. So this win is a good motivation for us.”
Chris Javier added 11 points for the Warriors, who had a fiery 13-0 start before fending off the Falcons’ persistent rallies.
Jeric Teng unloaded 23 points and Karim Abdul had a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Tigers, who finished third in Group B with a 5-3 record.
“The players refused to lose,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio. “It was a matter of pride. The experience of the players also showed.”
UST guard Ed Daquioag also stepped up in the absence of injured starting guard Clark Bautista by posting a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.
Ranked second at 6-2 in Group A, the Chiefs struggled minus top gunner James Forrester, who sat it out due to a knee injury.
Zamar said he is impressed with the endurance of his Warriors, who also competed in a recent provincial tournament.
“We’re very tired,” said Zamar. “But we don’t want to use that as an excuse. I told them we still have to play as a team. And considering that Adamson has been together for several years already, it’s an achievement for us that we were there fighting.”
The Falcons, led by Rodney Brondial, opened the final period with an 11-0 blast for a 54-52 lead. But the Warriors responded with an 8-0 tear anchored on Sumang to regain the advantage, 60-54, then held the Falcons to just a couple of baskets in the last five minutes.
The scores:
First Game
UST 83—Teng 23, Abdul 18, Ferrer 14, Daquioag 11, Pe 6, Mariano 5, Lo 3, So 2, Hainga 1, Marata 0, Tan 0, Lao 0, Macasaet 0.
ARELLANO 73—Pinto 13, Bangga 10, Hernandez 8, Nicholls 8, Jalalom 7, Salcedo 5, Enriquez 4, Margallo 3, Gumaru 3, Caperal 2, Cadavis 2.
Quarters: 26-17, 40-37, 62-53, 83-73
Second Game
UE 66—Sumang 18, Javier 11, Sumido 9, Noble 6, Mammie 6, Flores 5, Olivarez 4, Jumao-as 4, Santos 3, Casajeros 0, Bonleon 0, Guion 0, Olayon 0.
ADAMSON 58—Brondial 19, Sewa 12, Cabrera 9, Cruz 6, Petilos 6, Iñigo 3, Rios 2, Agustin 1, Monteclaro 0, Bernabe 0, Abrigo 0, Mendoza 0, Ochea 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 32-32, 52-43, 66-58