MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines snapped an 18-game losing skid in the UAAP as it overwhelmed University of the East, 69-61, in Season 74 of the men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum Thursday.
The last time the Maroons tasted a sweet victory was back in 2009 against La Salle, 83-78, even as they failed to barged into the win column last season with a 0-14 card.
“We finally got the monkey of our backs,” said head coach Ricky Dandan, who also notched his first win as a UP mentor. “It feels good.”
Returning guard Mike Gamboa paced the Maroons with 19 points, five rebounds, and six assists while Mike Silungan, another first-timer in the victory since his debut last season, chipped in 15 points.
UP actually jumped the gates early to seize the lead, then built a 13-point buffer, the biggest of the game, on a basket by Gamboa midway in the third quarter.
The Maroons also halted an eight-game tailspin against the Warriors dating back to September 3, 2006, wherein they won 90-85.
The Warriors tried to stay within striking distance and even came as close as six, 61-55, in the fourth quarter but were easily fended off by the Maroons.
Paul Zamar topscored for UE with 14 points, while John Noble had eight points to boot.
UE’s Lord Casejeros faces suspension in his next game after committing a hard foul against UP’s Anjelo Montecastro.
The scores
UP 69- Gamboa 19, Silungan 15, Manuel 13, Gomez 9, Montecastro 5, Maniego 3, Gingerich 3, Romero 2, Mbah 0, Juruena 0.
UE 61- Zamara 14, Noble 8, Javier 6, Santos 5, Sumang 4, Enguio 4, Sumido 4, Zosa 3, Chavez 3, Casajeros 3, Flores 3, Tagarda 2, Duran 2.
Quarters: 22-11, 39-31, 57-47, 69-61.