Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the East staved off elimination after thwarting Mapua, 98-91, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Sunday at San Juan Arena.
A 3-3 record kept the Red Warriors’ hopes for a quarterfinal alive while the Cardinals are eliminated to an entry in the final eight as they slipped to a 1-5 record.
Red Warriors head coach Derrick Pumaren described their victory as “an ugly win” with uncalled fouls happening throughout the physical game.
“We just have to expect and be ready anuman mangyari there are times medyo manipis tawag but there are times dapat masanay sa physical game,” said Pumaren who witnessed the referees call a total of 47 fouls.
“I want them to be physical but I don’t want them throwing elbows.”
UE looked at a 91-91 tie with less than two minutes left in the game but Renz Palma and Paul Varilla converting on back-to-back baskets with the latter being a three-point play to give the Red Warriors a 96-91 lead.
Bonbon Batiller led UE with 24 points, four assists, and three steals while Edgar Charcos and Varilla had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Palma and Ronnie De Leon pitched in 10 points apiece to the Red Warriors total.
Exy Biteng led Mapua with 19 points while Andrew Estrella added 17.