Rookie Batiller stars anew in UE win over Adamson

Edison Batiller of the UE Red Warriors.

Rookie Von Batiller continued his torrid start and University of the East repelled a pesky Adamson side, 89-78, for its second win in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 21-year-old Batiller, a transferee from Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, matched his career-high with 23 points to lead the Red Warriors.

“We had to dig deep for this win. We know it’s not going to be easy playing Adamson and we just had to keep working hard,” said UE head coach Derrick Pumaren.

Batiller scored eight of his points in the fourth quarter and was a big factor for UE when Adamson made its last push late in the game.

He stopped the Falcons’ momentum with a contested baseline jumper before assisting and sinking a free throw that pushed the Red Warriors’ lead back to 10, 84-74, with 1:31 left.

“No, I am not surprised with the way he’s playing. I was expecting that. I saw what he can do,” Pumaren said of his prized recruit Batiller, who also collected eight assists, six steals and only one turnover.

Frederick Tungcab had 16 for Adamson, which reeled to a 0-3 start.

The Warriors upped their mark to 2-1 as they followed up their stunning victory over defending champion National University last Saturday.