University of the East had hoped to start fresh in the second round of UAAP action. And the Warriors did just that by stunning defending champion National University yet again.
“Coach (Derrick Pumaren) said this is the start of our season,” said UE stalwart Chris Javier. “For us it’s a 0-0 standing, just like in the opening.”
Javier dropped all but two of his 16 points in the second half as the Warriors rallied past the Bulldogs, 52-47, to complete an elimination sweep of NU yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We had a talk last Monday, that we forget the first round,” said Pumaren.
University of the Philippines, also wanting to start over, opened their own second-round bid with an 89-84 triumph over Adamson.
UE, UP and NU all wound up tied with 3-5 records.
For Jett Manuel, the win was more that just avenging their first-round loss to the Falcons. It also brought the Maroons’ confidence back after a five-game skid followed their much celebrated 2-0 start.
“Our energy was different today,” said Manuel.
The scores:
First Game
UP 89—Asilum 19, Manuel 16, Dario 14, Amar 13, Desiderio 8, Longa 8, Juruena 7, Harris 2, Moralde 2, Jaboneta 0, Kone 0, Lim 0, Vito 0.
ADAMSON 84—Sarr 18, Garcia J. 12, Margallo 11, Nalos 8, Ng 8, Capote 7, Escalambre 5, Garcia C. 5, Tungcab 5, Polican 3, Ochea 2, Camacho 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 44-36, 68-56, 89-84
Second Game
UE 52—Javier 16, Varilla P. 10, Abanto 7, Charcos 4, De Leon 4, Palma 4, Batiller 3, Gagate 2, Varilla J. 2,Derige 0, Manalang 0, Penuela 0, Sta. Ana 0, Yu 0.
NU 47—Aroga 11, Neypes 9, Diputado 8, Alolino 6, Celda 4, Salim 4, Alejandro 3, Tansingco 2, Abatayo 0, Javelona 0, Javillonar 0, Yu 0.
Quarters: 8-12, 21-28, 37-36, 52-47