MANILA – University of the East Red Warriors used a huge fourth quarter run to turn back Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 69-62, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Down by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, the Red Warriors slowly clawed their way back until they took a 62-54 lead on back-to-back triples by Rainer Maga, a three-pointer by Devin Fikes, and an inside conversion by Precious Momowei.
The Blue Eagles responded with a basket from Joshua Lazaro to cut the deficit to 56-62, but consecutive free throws from rookie John Abate completed the Red Warriors’ come-from-behind win.
Momowei led the way for the Red Warriors with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Wello Lingolingo added 13 markers as they notched their fourth consecutive victory to move up to No. 3 spot in the standings with a 4-2 win-loss slate.
Lazaro and Shawn Tuano top-scored for the Blue Eagles with 14 points each, while Jared Bahay contributed 12 markers. They dropped to a 1-5 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (6-0) leaned on a huge start in the fourth quarter to defeat University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (3-3), 81-70.
From a slim 65-68 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Fighting Maroons went on a huge run behind Francis Lopez, Negrense Harold Alarcon, and Ilonggo Gerry Abadiano for a 79-65 advantage with over two minutes left.
The Growling Tigers made their last push on two free throws by Nicael Cabanero and a triple from Rence Padrigao, but Alarcon converted two free throws to seal the win for the Fighting Maroons.
Alarcon led the way for the Fighting Maroons with a season-high of 16 points, Lopez chipped in 15 markers, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Terrence Fortea and Abadiano contributed 11 and 10, respectively.
Mohammed Tounkara finished with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-10 field goal shooting, while Cabanero and Padrigao added 15 and 14, respectively, for the Growling Tigers./PN
