UAAP: UE leans on strong second half to cruise past NU
UE center Precious Momowei during a game against NU in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–University of the East (UE) used a big second half to leave National University (NU) in the dust for a 74-58 decision in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
UE big man Precious Momowei had a usual day at the office with 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Red Warriors, who regained their winning ways after their five-game win streak snapped by league-leader La Salle in their last outing.
Article continues after this advertisement“I think the loss against La Salle was the motivation that we needed,” Momowei said. “Because I think we deserve to win. So, we lose some, we win some. Today’s game, we know what we are up against. It’s NU. They have a great team and all that. We just stick as a team.”
READ: UAAP: La Salle gets back at UE to stretch win streak to four
Playing off the bench, Wello Lingolingo poured in 14 points including three from long distance and five rebounds while Ethan Galang was also on target from long range where he scored all of his 12 points on top of four rebounds.
“The two postponements of our game have a positive side and a negative side. Number one, negative because our players have been rusty for a long time,” coach Jack Santiago said.
Article continues after this advertisement“But positive because the guys who have injuries have recovered. And then we gave some minutes to the guys who don’t get to play much. Because if you will see, our schedule we’re going to be playing every three days,” Santiago added. “So, we really want to extend our rotation. That’s why we maximized our break so that our guys who don’t play much can have confidence during our practice”
The Warriors returned after a two-week hiatus after their matchup against Far Eastern University last Sunday and University of the Philippines on Wednesday were canceled. But they came in prepared nonetheless for the Bulldogs, who suffered a third consecutive loss to fall to a 2-8 standing.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
UE pulled away in the second half after Rainier Maga and Lingolingo joined hands for a 53-35 advantage at the end of the third period.
Lingolingo sank a fastbreak layup for the Warriors’ biggest lead, 69-46.
Tebol Garcia still shone despite the losing stand of the Bulldogs with 12 points while Jolo Manansala added 11 points and eight rebounds.
UE guns for a back-to-back wins on Wednesday against Adamson at Mall of Asia Arena. NU, meanwhile, faces another tall order when it battles the Fighting Maroons on Nov. 3 at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
