UE standouts (from left) Roi Sumang, Chris Javier and Jay-R Sumido gang up on San Sebastian’s Jaymark Perez in a battle for the loose ball during yesterday’s game. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Cameroonian big man Alfred Aroga sustained his solid play as National U hurdled another tough test by nipping Far Eastern U, 67-64, yesterday for its fourth straight victory in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
With compatriot Emmanuel Mbe still far from 100 percent, Aroga stepped up with 20 points for the Bulldogs, who weathered a late run by the Tamaraws before improving to 4-0 at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Earlier, San Sebastian stunned University of the East, 89-87, in overtime, after Southwestern U came from behind to trounce Emilio Aguinaldo College, 80-75.
The Stags fought back from five points down in the final minute of overtime with newcomer Gio Vergara hitting a triple with 19 seconds remaining for the go-ahead basket.
Vergara’s clutch trey came after forward Jaymark Perez completed a three-point play with 48 seconds remaining to pull San Sebastian within 85-87.
“All of the players work on their shots and we just never gave up,” said San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson, whose squad improved to 2-2.
Leo de Vera also starred for the Stags, hitting four triples in the final period, the last coming with 24 seconds remaining that forced overtime at 78-all.
Roi Sumang again led the Warriors with 23 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Charles Mammie also finished with 23 points, including nine in overtime.
The Cobras won for the second straight game after rallying from 21 points down.
The Cebu-based team drew strength from Landry Sanjo to overhaul an early 17-38 deficit on its way to improving to a 2-5 mark.
The Generals seized control early with Jan Jamon and diminutive guard Francis Munsayac waxing hot from beyond the arc, combining for 13 triples.
But Sanjo proved too difficult to handle in the second half. With a report from Nicolo Pascual
The scores
First Game
SWU 80—Sanjo 23, Mohammad 16, Panerio 9, Escobio 8, Goloran 6, Pajantoy 6, Holper 3, Bautista 3, Otida 2, Siewe 1, Ortega 0, Arong 0.
EAC 75—Munsayac 26, Jamon 24, Onwubere 7, Tayongtong 5, King 4, Arquero 4, Mallari 3, Manga 2, Castro 0, Monteclaro 0, Santos 0.
Quarters: 9-21, 34-44, 54-60, 80-75
Second Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 89—Perez 20, De Vera 20, De La Cruz 19, Guinto 10, Tano 8, Gusi 6, Vergara 3, Rebollos 2, Balucanag 1.
UE 87—Sumang 23, Mammie 23, Sumido 14, Javier 12, Bonleon 12, Santos 2, Casajeros 1, Noble 0, Guion 0, Flores 0, De Leon 0, Galanza 0, Olivarez 0.
Quarters: 12-20, 33-37, 57-58, 78-78 (reg), 89-87
Third Game
NU 67—Aroga 20, Parks 18, Alejandro 10, Rosario 7, Roño 4, Mbe 3, Javillonar 3, De Guzman 2, Villamor 0, Neypes 0, Javelona 0, Porter 0.
FEU 64—Romeo 25, Garcia 14, Tolomia 6, Hargrove 5, Mendoza 4, Belo 4, Cruz 2, Escoto 2, Jose 2, Pogoy 0, Iñigo 0, Dennison 0.
Quarters: 14-15, 33-28, 50-40, 67-64