UNIVERSITY of the East’s main scorers didn’t deliver the expected numbers but the reserves got the job done against hapless University of the Philippines, 87-59, in the opening game of the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors went on a 22-5 run in the second quarter and never looked back as the season host scored their first win in the UAAP under new head coach Derrick Pumaren.
Reserve guard Dan Alberto hit five three-pointers, three coming in the second quarter, and finished with 15 points for the Red Warriors.
UE also handed UP its 22nd consecutive loss. The Maroons’ last win was scored against the Red Warriors in Season 75.
UE star Roi Sumang finished with only seven points and import Charles Mammie from Sierra Leone had eight, but Pumaren wasn’t too disappointed.
“The first group was kinda excited but the second group came in and gave us a big lift,” Pumaren said.
The game was tied at 16 when Alberto launched a buzzer-beating triple from near half-court.
The Warriors then caught fire, turning a 21-18 lead into a 38-21 advantage.
The scores:
UE (87) – Alberto 15, Javier 12, De Leon 10, Jumao-as 10, Mammie 8, Arafat 7, Sumang 7, Guiang 4, Olayon 4, Galanza 3, Varilla 3, Hernandez 2, Derige 1, Palma 1, Charcos 0, Cudal 0.
UP (59) – Lao 18, Moralde 11, Asilum 8, Gingerich 6, Gallarza 5, Dario 4, Harris 3, Reyes 2, Vito 2, Bederi 0, Juruena 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16; 45-26; 66-36; 87-59.
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