MANILA, Philippines — University of the East cashed in on a slew of late-game errors by San Sebastian-A to hack out a 77-72 win in overtime to capture the men’s basketball crown in the 10th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup at the Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City.
Charles Mammie led the Red Warriors with 22 points while Ralph Olivarez shot 17 points including the game’s final four points.
“Credit goes to the players. They wanted to win the championship,” said UE team B coach Bai Cristobal, who shared coaching duties with Bong Ramos.
Olivarez, the 21-year-old business management student, scored on a putback off a miss by RR de Leon to put the Warriors ahead by three, 75-72, with 16.7 ticks left.
With a chance to close in, Gio Vergara traveled in the ensuing play that left the Stags with no choice but to foul. Olivarez sank two free throws with 7.6 seconds remaining to seal the ballgame.
Meanwhile, Hope Christian School leaned on Arjan dela Cruz to beat Chiang Kai Shek, 68-60, for the juniors division title. Dela Cruz led his team with 20 points.
Jaymar Perez unleashed a game-high 24 points, including a follow up of his own miss with only 17 seconds left that forged extra session with both squads tied at 65.
The Stags, who edged Jose Rizal University, 73-68, in the semifinals, grabbed a 70-69 lead at the 3:05 mark.
But San Sebastian couldn’t hold on to its slim lead as Perez, Vergara and Bradwin Guinto committed three straight turnovers.
The series of miscues allowed the Warriors to regain momentum and the lead, 73-70, with 51.7 seconds to go.
Guinto atoned for his costly error with a layup to pull his team back to within, 72-73, in the last 34 seconds before Olivarez’s last four points.
The scores:
First Game
Hope 68 – de la Cruz 20, Galoso 14, Doliguez 11, Apacible 10, Go 7, Villanueva 4, Guion 4, Rubiano 2
Chiang Kai Shek 60- Gallego 19, Salim 12, Young 10, Tan 7, Jimenez 5, Larin 4, Bayquin 3
Quarterscores: 16-11, 37-19, 55-41, 68-60
Second Game
UE 77– Mammie 22, Olivarez 17, Jumao-As 16, de Leon 9, Arafat 8, Dy 2, Jeremy Blake 2
San Sebastian 72– Perez 24, de Vera 18, Guinto 7, Vergara 7, Pusiquit 7, Muyang 6, Grilli 1
Quarterscores: 13-11, 33-21, 49-39, 65-all, 77-72