UNIVERSITY of the East ended a four-game losing skid by beating reigning champion National University, 52-47, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 seniors basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Chris Javier scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Paul Varilla added 10 points and nine rebounds for UE in a game where both teams shot poorly from the field.
The Red Warriors began the second round on a big way, improving to 3-5 win-loss to gain a share of fifth place with University of the Philippines and the NU Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs lost their second successive game.
UE won despite shooting 23-of-72 (32 percent) from the field as the Red Warriors relied on their defense, forcing NU to just 16-of-57 shooting from the field.
“We stuck to our game plan defensively. We weren’t playing well but our defense carried us in this game. We still have to correct our mistakes,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren.
Alfred Aroga had 11 points and nine rebounds for the Bulldogs.
The scores:
UE (52) — Javier 16, P. Varilla 10, Abanto 7, Charcos 4, De Leon 4, Palma 4, Batiller 3, Gagate 2, J. Varilla 2, Derige 0, Manalang 0, Penuela 0, Sta. Ana 0, Yu 0.
NU (47) — Aroga 11, Neypes 9, Diputado 8, Alolino 6, Celda 4, Salim 4, Alejandro 3, Tansingco 2, Abatayo 0, Javelona 0, Javillonar 0, Yu 0.
Quarterscores: 8-12, 21-28, 37-36, 52-47
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