Diminutive guard Edgar Charcos knocked in two pressure-packed free throws with 2.5 seconds left to lift University of the East to a 79-77 nipping of Mapua Wednesday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
Sloppy in the third period, the Warriors needed a strong finishing kick to nail a third straight victory at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Charcos was at the heart of the endgame uprising, scoring eight of his 15 points in the last 86 seconds as the Warriors completed a remarkable rally from 15 points down in the final period.
Swingman Josan Nimes scattered 26 points for the Cardinals, who faded down the stretch and absorbed their third straight loss.
Also hurting the Cardinals’ chances was the departure of center Allwell Oraeme who finished with 23 points and 17 boards, before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Later, Far Eastern U leaned on a big game from the returning Mac Belo to trounce Letran, 80-75.
Belo, who is coming off a stint with Sinag Pilipinas in the Seaba Championship, tallied 21 points and seven rebounds, joining forces with Reymar Jose who had 18 points in leading the Tamaraws to their first win of the tournament. Letran dropped to 1-2.
Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac kept the Knights in the game, combining for 48 points, but Belo proved too tough to handle down the stretch as he bullied his way to a couple of baskets in the final two minutes that spelled the difference for the Tamaraws.
Emil Palma led the Warriors with 19 points, five assists and four steals, while Charcos also finished with seven assists and five rebounds.
The scores:
UE 79—Palma 19, Charcos 15, De Leon 9, Gonzales 9, Alberto 8, Abanto 4, Javier 4, Varilla 3, Manalang 3, Cudal 2, Larupay 2, Batiller 1, Awana 0, Penuela 0, Mina 0.
MAPUA 77—Nimes 26, Oraeme 24, Que 15, Biteng 6, Braña 2, Villaseñor 2, Raflores 2, Nieles 0, Dela Rosa 0, Layug 0, Serrano 0, Tubiano 0.
Quarters: 18-8, 33-37, 49-56, 79-77