Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the East walked off the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup with a sweet taste of victory after halting Letran, 81-77, in its final game Wednesday at the tournament’s namesake arena in San Juan.
The Red Warriors finished off their schedule with a 3-5 record in Group A while the Knights, who have to face archrivals San Beda in their final game, are at a woeful 1-5.
UE head coach Derrick Pumaren said it was of utmost importance that they get a win in their final day as to help him gauge where they are as a team.
“That was our main objective for the game, right from the start we talked about that we wanted to end our Filoil stint on a winning note,” said Pumaren. “We got a lot of things to work on, but I must say that we are slowly getting the right feel.”
Alvin Pasaol showed off his versatility in the win as he finished with a game-high 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks while Mark Olayon added 12 points.
Jerrick Balanza led Letran with 20 points while Bong Quinto had a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.