UNIVERSITY of the East tries to bounce back from a humiliating loss when it takes on University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at the resumption of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Warriors face the Tigers at 2 p.m. in a match-up of teams coming off losses during the week.
UE currently holds a 1-2 (win-loss record) after the Warriors bowed to the Adamson Falcons, 78-71, Wednesday in a game that saw them trail by as many as 30 points.
Following the loss, the Warriors stayed in their dugout for more than an hour, with coach Boycie Zamar leaving the venue near the end of the second game.
“I just want to know kung ano ang nasa utak nila,” said Zamar when asked about what transpired in the UE dugout shortly after the game. “May mga learning curves na kailangan mo minsan malaman. It came to our conclusion na it’s all about mental.”
The coach also reiterated to the team that every game will be tough for the pre-tournament favorites.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, kailangan lang na mag-trabaho tayo ng todo dahil kapag ginawa namin ‘yun, malaki ang pagasa namin,” he said.
The Warriors will miss the services of center Charles Mammie for the game against the Tigers due to a second unsportsmanlike foul he committed in their game against the Falcons.
UE has appealed to the UAAP board to lift the suspension.
But even with Mammie’s absence, Zamar expects the Warriors to be ready.
“Let’s face it, itong team na ito, they came from a losing end last year. They are just learning to win. Hindi pa talaga sila winner,” Zamar said.
Like UE, UST is also looking to bounce back after the Tigers went down against the National University Bulldogs, 71-67, on Wednesday.
The Tigers are in a share for second place with La Salle, NU, and Adamson, all with 2-1 cards.
The Espana-based unit lost the game after top scorer Jeric Teng injured his right shoulder and missed the entire second half.
Teng remains doubtful for Saturday’s game.
“Siguro naapektuhan talaga kami,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio after the loss. “Alam mo naman, leader namin si Jeric eh.”
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