University of the East stopped its three-game slide with a dominant 81-51 win over University of Santo Tomas, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Warriors pulled away after a 20-9 second quarter. That hiked their 11-point first frame lead to a 22-point spread at the half, 45-23.
UE then just pounced more in the second half, leading by as much as 34 following a Harvey Pagsanjan triple with 43.1 seconds left in the match, 81-47.
“Game plan namin talaga ngayon is not to involve UST, ano? We all know medyo maybe down ‘yung morale nila, pero ‘yun ‘yung nakakatakot eh,” said Red Warriors coach Jack Santiago.
CJ Payawal heated up after halftime, dropping all of his 17 points alongside eight rebounds and five assists for UE.
Luis Villegas chimed in 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting with four rebounds and two blocks.
UE improved to 4-5 while extending the UST’s woes to seven games at 1-7.
Adama Faye was the lone bright spot for the Growling Tigers with 23 points and 18 rebounds. Nic Cabañero was held to seven points on a 2-of-15 clip from the field.
Up next for the Red Warriors is a clash with University of the Philippines. On the other hand, UST aims to put an end to its misery against Adamson University – the lone team it has beaten so far.
Both games will happen on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
UE 81 –– Payawal 17, Villegas 16, Tulabut 8, Sawat 6, Antiporda 6, N. Paranada 6, Remogat 5, K. Paranada 4, Stevens 4, Pagsanjan 3, Beltran 3, Guevarra 3, Abatayo 0, Langit 0.
UST 51 — Faye 23, Pangilinan 8, Cabanero 7, Manalang 4, Manaytay 4, Escobido 2, Lazarte 2, Valentin 1, Calimag 0, Garing 0, Gesalem 0, Duremdes 0.
Quarterscores: 25-14, 45-23, 60-36, 81-51.
