UE nips CEU in overtime

University of the East survived another close game as the Red Warriors slipped past Centro Escolar University in overtime, 65-62, yesterday to grab the solo Group B lead at 4-0 in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

New recruit Edson Battiler knocked in 15 points, including the Warriors’ last five points in the extra period, of the battle of early leaders at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Warriors, who won three of their four matches by just an average of two points, also leaned on Paul Varilla, Chris Javier and Philip Manalang in rallying from 12 points down, 29-41.

The Scorpions, the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) champions, absorbed their first loss in four outings.

In Group A, Letran drubbed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 72-64, for a 2-2 record, while Adamson kicked off its campaign with a 62-59 nipping of Cebu’s University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Rey Nambatac led the Knights with 15 points, while Mark Cruz dropped four of his 14 points inside the last 30 seconds.

Matthew Aquino, the 6-foot-7 son of former PBA star Marlou Aquino, shone with 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks to power the Falcons.