Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the East strengthened its bid for a Final Four spot after humbling University of the Philippines, 73-64, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Red Warriors won their third game in four outings to improve to 3-7 and them on track of getting the fourth spot in the league while the Fighting Maroons slipped to a 4-6 record.
Mark Maloles and Alvin Pasaol exchanged back-to-back triples in a span of 18 seconds to give UE a 68-58 with 2:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Pasaol then delivered the dagger, converting a three-point play for a 71-62 lead with 1:33 left.
UE head coach Derrick Pumaren is aware of their position in the Final Four race and he used their first win in the UAAP as their starting point and motivation in getting to the semifinals.
“Until there’s a fourth team that makes it then we still have a shot at it,” said Pumaren of their Final Four shot. “We just have to stay positive in the things that are going on. We just have to play as a team and keep playing as one unit.”
Pasaol showed his might with 32 points and 13 rebounds to lead UE while Mark Olayon narrowly missed out on a triple-double finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño had 22 points and eight rebounds to lead UP while older brother Javi finished with 17 points and 11 boards.