Filoil Preaseason Cup: UE clamps down on defense for back to back wins

By: Rommel Fuertes Jr. - 2 years ago

University of the East vs Mapua in the Filoil EcOoil Preseason Cup. –FILOIL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–University of the East showcased its new brand of defense in the upset win over NCAA Season 97 finalist Mapua, 75-64, in Group A of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup in San Juan Arena on Friday.

Coming off a disheartening 17-game losing streak, the Red Warriors are now on a two-game winning stretch.

Mapua and UE were still neck-and-neck heading into the fourth quarter with the Red Warriors leading, 58-55.

It was in the fourth quarter when Red Warriors head coach Jack Santiago’s defensive playbook showed up once more as they limited the Cardinals to only nine points in the period.

UE also shackled Arellano University Chiefs to five points in the third quarter of the losing-skid busting win last Wednesday.

“A win is a win. When you see the lineup of the other team, it would seem that we have the advantage in today’s game. But our main focus in joining is to get our timing right,” said head coach Jack Santiago.

The Red Warriors led by as much as 15, 48-33 in the second quarter and registered 11 steals as a team.

Calvin Payawal scored 16 points for UE while Onzo Lorenzana and Abdul Sawat had 12 each.

John Ivan Cudiamat tallied 16 as well for the Cardinals.

The Scores:

UE 75 — Payawal 16, Sawat 12, Lorenzana 12, Pagsanjan 8, Beltran 6, N. Paranada 6, Remogat 6, K. Paranada 4, Antiporda 3, Tulabut 2, Abatayo 0, Guevarra 0, Soriano 0, Maglupay 0.

MAPUA 64 — Cudiamat 16, Salenga 13, Parinas 11, Mercado 7, Cuenco 5, Soriano 4, Igliane 4, Tailan 4, Evangelista 0. Quarters: 23-19, 48-35, 58-55, 75-64.