Hot-shooting Derige carries UE past UST

Clark Derige and UE coach Derrick Pumaren. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net

University of the East leaned on the superb sniping from Clark Derige as it downed University of Santo Tomas, 80-67,  in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The graduating forward went 4-of-8 from threes to finish with 16 points and four rebounds, but more importantly, drilled the timely treys to help the Red Warriors fend off the pesky Growling Tigers in the second half.

Alvin Pasaol added 15 markers, while Mark Olayon had 13 points, nine boards, and four assists for UE.

Despite nabbing the Red Warriors second win in three outings, coach Derrick Pumaren still expressed his dissatisfaction with how he felt his squad underestimated UST.

“For the most part of the game, I wasn’t really happy with the way we’re playing,” he said. We’re not doing the things that we’re supposed to do and we’re doing what we’re not supposed to be doing. We’re playing selfishly and they were taking UST lightly.”

UST were in the game for most of the match and even closed in within two, 56-54, with a Zachy Huang trey with nine minutes to play in the fourth.

But UE answered right back with a killer 11-3 tear capped off by a Derige three to bring the lead back to 10, 65-57, midway in the payoff period.

“In the end, we were impressive. We buckled down on defense and we were making outside shots and making stops in the end,” said Pumaren.

Steve Akomo paced the still winless UST (0-2) with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, while Carlos Escalambre got 10.

The Scores:

UE 80 – Derige 16, Pasaol 15, Olayon 13, Maloles 7, Abanto 6, Manalang 5, Green 5, Bartolome 4, Varilla 4, Conner 3, Cullar 2, Gagate 0, Acuno 0, Magbuhos 0, Armenion 0.

UST 67 – Akomo 14, Escalambre 10, Sta. Ana 8, De Guzman 7, Faundo 6, Lee 6, Lorenzana 4, Huang 3, Caunan 3, Garcia 2, Macasaet 2, Afoakwah 2, Garrido 0, Soriano 0.

Quarters: 13-15, 36-34, 56-49, 80-67.