Roi Sumang drove past three defenders to score the game-winner as University of the East battled back from a double-digit deficit in the final quarter to nip University of Santo Tomas, 68-67, yesterday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sumang buried the deciding layup with 11 seconds left to cap a huge fourth period where the Warriors outscored the Tigers, 21-9.
“Coach told us that whoever has the biggest heart [should take the shot], that’s why I took it,” said Sumang, who slipped past UST’s Ed Daquioag, Kevin Ferrer and Karim Abdul in the thriller’s game-winning play.
Sumang fired 12 of his 20 points in the final period and dished out 10 assists for the Warriors, who grabbed a share of second with idle National University at 5-3.
Earlier, Ateneo recovered from a slow start to down University of the Philippines, 67-59, and gain a share of fourth with the Tigers and idle La Salle at 4-4.
Kiefer Ravena had an all-around game of 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Blue Eagles, who rallied from as many as 11 points down, 22-33, in the first half.
Chris Newsome sparked the Eagles’ comeback to finish with 11 points.
The Warriors trailed, 66-67, but got a lucky break when the Tigers turned the ball off an inbound pass with just 18.4 seconds left.
The Tigers, who led 58-47 at the start of the fourth quarter, still had a chance to win it but Ferrer missed his attempt at the buzzer.
The scores:
First Game
ATENEO 67—Ravena 14, Tiongson 11, Newsome 11, Buenafe 7, Golla 6, Erram 6, Elorde 4, Capacio 4, Tolentino 2, Pessumal 2, Murphy 0, Enriquez 0, Asistio 0.
UP 59—Marata 15, Lao 9, Asilum 8, Wong 5, Soyud 5, Gingerich 4, Desiderio 4, Pascual 3, Gallarza 3, Ligad 2, Ball 1.
Quarters: 14-21, 33-34, 53-47, 67-59
Second Game
UE 68—Sumang 20, Olivares 15, Mammie 10, Santos 6, Noble 5, Casajeros 5, Galanza 3, Sumido 2, Javier 2, Olayon 0, Pujante 0, Jumao-as 0, Hernandez 0.
UST 67—Abdul 23, Bautista 13, Ferrer 12, Daquioag 12, Mariano 4, Hainga 2, Lo 1, Sheriff 0, Pe 0, Faundo 0.
Quarters: 22-21, 37-38, 47-58, 68-67