UAAP: UE wins third straight after beating NU in men’s basketball

John Abate leads UE Red Warriors to another win, this time against NU Bulldogs, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

University of the East continued to pick itself up from a slow start in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament after quashing National University, 57-51, Saturday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

After a 0-2 start, the Red Warriors are now on a three-game winning streak with John Abate leading the way with 15 points and six rebounds and Ethan Galang, who provided the finishing touches with his free throws, contributing seven points, six rebounds and three assists.

“I am so happy again that the boys responded very well. Actually we had a bad practice yesterday but I am glad that all the players, especially those coming off the bench, stepped up and they followed our game plan down the stretch,” said coach Jack Santiago.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

“NU is really good on defense, [the Bulldogs] are very aggressive and I knew at the end of the day we just have to stick to the system,” Abate said.

Momowei was not the most efficient offensively but made up for it with 20 rebounds as Wello Lingolingo, who had clutch shots to give UE some breathing room, added eight points and five rebounds.

UE Red Warriors’ Rainer Maga plays a key role in their win over NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

No one was able to pull away in the first half even as NU had an eight point lead at some point. Abate kept UE within striking range with nine points at the half.

The Warriors were able to somehow take control after limiting the Bulldogs to just eight points in the third quarter leading up to the deciding quarter that they thoroughly controlled.

READ: UAAP: Warriors find confidence rebuilt after Archers upset

Rainer Maga drained a triple for 50-45 lead before Jake Figueroa’s midrange jumper to keep NU in the game. Steve Nash Enriquez, who paced NU with nine points, cleared both of his charity shots to cut the lead to just one.

Lingolingo nailed a big trey, 53-49, before a disastrous turnover from Enriquez with 26.4 left on the clock. Jolo Manansala, who had eight points and nine rebounds, still managed to convert on a layup with 19.5 left but the Bulldogs were still trailing.

Gelo Santiago committed back-to-back fouls, the second hitting Lingolingo in an attempt to intercept an inbound pass. The marksman sank both of the freebies, 55-51.

READ: UAAP: UE coach feels ‘lucky’ to have slew of guards stepping up

Donn Lim attempted a shot from behind the arc in the next possession to save NU, but Ethan Galang was there for the block. Galang was fouled with 9.7 seconds left and mad his free throws to ice the game.

The Warriors look to extend their winning streak against Ateneo up next on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs, who dropped to a 1-5 card, will cap the first round also against the Blue Eagles also at MOA Arena where they will look to put an end to a four-game skid.