University of the East halted its five-game skid at the expense of hapless University of Santo Tomas, winning in wire-to-wire fashion, 86-73, to pump life to its playoff chances in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Warriors hiked their record to 3-6, still at seventh.
However, they are just one-and-a-half game behind fourth-running Ateneo de Manila University at 4-4.
“I think the boys followed the instructions. We came out very strong in the first quarter, we shared the ball so it was a good result,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago, pointing to their 29-19 first frame.
Migs Pangilinan and Nic Cabañero tried to rally UST back from a 17-point deficit late in the third with three triples to inch within 10 with 7:44 left in the fourth frame, 59-69.
However, Precious Momowei, Abdul Sawat, and Ethan Galang joined hands for a game-deciding blitz.
They expanded the Red Warriors’ advantage to 20 anew with less than five minutes remaining, 83-63.
Momowei had another huge double-double for UE with 17 points and 18 rebounds to go with five assists and two blocks. Sawat also delivered 17 points.
Ethan Galang, who did not play in the first half, provided instant offense with 11 points on three triples. Meanwhile, Noy Remogat made nine points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
“My teammates made me look good, just setting me up at the right position. We had almost 30 assists and when we moved the ball, it made us look undefeated. If we move the ball like that, we’ll be a tough team,” said 6-foot-4, ‘two-and-thru’ guard Galang, citing their 29 assists against nine turnovers
Overshadowed by the victory was the injury of Devin Fikes, who hurt his left knee with 1:18 left in the third quarter while trying to drive past Pangilinan.
The Fil-Canadian rookie out of Scarborough Prep did not return to the game.
Also out for the season for UE is Gjerard Wilson due to a dislocated shoulder.
Fikes had a good first half with seven points in just five minutes and 53 seconds of floor time.
Meanwhile, the Growling Tigers slid to 1-8 and absorbed their second straight defeat after getting their initial win last Sunday over Far Eastern University, 68-62.
Pangilinan had 20 points, 17 of which came from the first half, while Cabañero produced 18 points and six rebounds.
Ivanne Calum came off the bench but still got 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field.
UE will aim to start a winning steak when it battles FEU on Nov. 5. On the other hand, UST seeks to rebound against Adamson University a day earlier.
The Scores:
UE 86 – Momowei 17, Sawat 17, Galang 11, Remogat 9, Fikes 7, Spandonis 6, Tulabut 6, Cruz-Dumont 5, Maglupay 4, Lingolingo 4, Langit 0, Gilbuena 0, Alcantara 0.
UST 73 – Pangilinan 20, Cabañero 18, Calum 11, Duremdes 7, Manaytay 4, Manalang 3, Crisostomo 3, Ventulan 3, Laure 2, Lazarte 1, Moore 1, Llemit 0.
Quarterscores: 29-19, 55-46, 67-53, 86-73
