MANILA – Ethan Galang knocked down timely triples in the endgame as University of the East Red Warriors prevailed over Far Eastern University Tamaraws 56-51 in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors were down 32-42 in the third quarter before they relied on conversions from Gjerard Wilson, Wello Lingo Lingo, and Rainier Maga to take a 45-42 lead with over six minutes left.
The Tamaraws regained a 51-47 advantage with over a minute left, but the Red Warriors got a split free throw from Precious Momowei followed by back-to-back triples and two free throws by Galang to take a 56-51 edge with 10 seconds left.
Galang finished the game with 10 points, including two triples, to go with three steals, one rebound, and one assist, while Wilson came off-the-bench to deliver 10 markers for the Red Warriors.
Momowei, on the other hand, was held to just seven points, to go with 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks for the Red Warriors, which secured their first win in three outings.
“I challenged them the past few days, especially our veterans, because at the end of the day, hindi kaya ni Precious mag-isa, when we go inside, andun sa kanya ang lahat ng depensa,” said Red Warriors head coach Jack Santiago.
Jorick Bautista top-scored for the Tamaraws with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Veejay Pre added 13 points and nine rebounds as they remained winless in three games.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons cruised to a dominant 89-62 victory over National University Bulldogs to tie De La Salle University Green Archers on top with 3-0 win-loss slate.
Mark Belmonte tallied 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block, while JD Cagulangan contributed 13 markers for the Maroons, which led by as much as 39 points in the lopsided win.
“Our performance here is much better compared to our previous game (against UE),” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said. “Knowing Coach Gold (Monteverde), he always wants improvement, so what comes with that is ‘yung response ng players.”/PN
