MANILA, Philippines — University of the East flipped the game to its favor in the fourth period, eraing a 16-point deficit and went on to edge out University of Santo Tomas, 77-75, Friday in the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
This capped the Red Warriors’ rise from cellar-dwellers to contenders entering the UAAP, booking the first final slot in the pre-season tournament
But for head coach Boyzie Zamar, besting the toughest teams en route to the top two shouldn’t just be the gauge of UE’s progress.
“We’re flattered in the sense, but that’s not the gauge. We just entered here with everything to gain,” said Zamar. “although it’s an achievement for them.”
For one, the Red Warriors struggled to seize control for the first three quarters, but the Tigers remained tough and even stretched the lead to 50-36.
“That was not the new UE Warriors who played in the first three quarters,” said Zamar. “But down the stretch, the determination showed.”
A triple from Jeric Teng — his first of eight tries — early in the fourth proved to be a momentary relief for UST as UE went on a 14-3 blast to gain the lead for the first time.
JM Noble, Charles Mammie, and Roi Sumang, who had 16 markers each, starred in that pivotal run — but it didn’t stop there, as they delivered for UE anew down the stretch.
A triple by Kevin Ferrer and a nifty drive from Aljon Mariano regained the lead for UST, 73-72, with 1:21 to play. But a three-point play from Noble and a set-up job by Sumang to Mammie ensured the win for the Red Warriors.
Ferrer paced the Tigers with 19 points, Abdul scored 14, while Teng and Mariano each had 12 but both struggled from the field, combining for 10-of-35.
The scores:
UE 77 — Sumang 16, Mammie 16, Noble 16, Javier 9, Jumao-as 5, Santos 5, Casajeros 3, Sumido 3, Olivarez 2, Hernandez 2, Flores 0, Bonleon 0, Guion 0, Olayon 0.
UST 75 — Ferrer 19, Abdul 14, Teng 12, Mariano 12, Pe 8, Bautista 6, Daquioag 4, Lo 0, So 0, Hainga 0.
Quarters: 14-22, 26-39, 50-56, 77-75.