UNIVERSITY of the East won its second straight game even without star player Roi Sumang as it cruised past University of the Philippines, 68-48, on Saturday in Season 77 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors improved their record to an even 4-4 in the absence of Sumang, who didn’t play after sustaining a sprained ankle in the team’s victory over University of Santo Tomas.
In Sumang’s absence, Charles Mammie had 15 points and 14 rebounds for UE, which also got 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range from Dan Alberto.
UE coach Derrick Pumaren said the UP win is a step towards the right direction after the Warriors suffered four straight defeats in the first round.
“We are still right behind the upper teams,” Pumaren said. “We are trying to catch. Games will be very important. We have gone over the hump. We can’t afford to do mistakes.”
After leading by just single digits, UE pulled away in the third quarter behind a 15-6 run for a 47-30 lead.
The Warriors led by as many as 24 points.
UP (1-7) lost after beating Adamson last week to end its 27-game losing streak.
Mikee Reyes had 19 points to lead the Maroons.
The scores
UE (68) -- Mammie 15, Alberto 11, Olayon 10, Javier 6, Galanza 5, Jumao-as 5, Charcos 4, Guiang 3, Arafat 2, De Leon 2, Varilla 2, Hernandez 2, Palma 1, Cudal 0, Derige 0.
UP (48) -- Reyes 19, Lao 10, Vito 7, Asilum 4, Gallarza 2, Gingerich 2, Moralde 2, Harris 2, Juruena 0, Lim 0.
Quarterscores: 18-7; 32-24; 51-36; 68-48.
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