Rey Suerte carries UE past NU in his final UAAP game

MANILA, Philippines—Rey Suerte took charge down the stretch as University of the East nipped National U, 79-77, Wednesday to close out UAAP Season 82 on a positive note at Mall of Asia Arena.

Playing in his final game for UE, Suerte fired six of his 28 points inside the final 42 seconds as the Red Warriors fought back from an early double-digit deficit to finish the season with a 4-12 record.

“It was tough because that our last game,” said Suerte, who only played one season for the Warriors following his stint with University of the Visayas.

“The short time we were together, the team really bonded. At least, we finished with a win.”

Senegalese center Alex Diakhite capped his first season with UE with a 17-point, 11-rebound effort, while Philip Manalang tallied five points in his farewell game for the Warriors. Jed Mendoza and Nick Abanto also played their final games for the Warriors.

Suerte buried a triple for the go-ahead basket, 74-72, but Dave Ildefonso scored on a lay-up on the other end to tie the game.

But Diakhite knocked in a short stab, before Ildefonso was forced into a miss on the next play allowing the Warriors to escape with the win.

“I wish we could have done better,” said UE active consultant Lawrence Chongson. “But right now, the rest of the teams are really head and shoulders above us.”

Ildefonso recorded 20 points, tying the output of the fast-rising JV Gallego, who nailed a triple as time expired for the final count.

NU finished the season at last place with a 2-12 record with both of its victories coming at the expense of Final Four-bound Far Eastern U.