The tireless Alvin Pasaol’s scoring spree continued on Sunday afternoon, displaying his entire arsenal in the University of the East Red Warriors’ 73-64 win over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
This is UE’s third win in four games, while UP dropped their fifth game in six tries.
Pasaol led the Red Warriors with 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting, including 5-for-9 from downtown, to go along with 13 rebounds. But it was UE’s defense that made the difference in the game.
“I think we did a great job defensively. We had three guys na we just have ot make sure that we try to contain, si [Paul] Desiderio, [Jun] Manzo, and [Ibra] Outtara,” said fourth-year UE head coach Derrick Pumaren.
Desiderio and Manzo were limited to eight and seven points respectively, shooting a combined 6-for-29 from the field. Ouattara, on the other hand, fouled out of the contest with 8:42 still on the clock in the final frame.
“We wanted Outtara to be out of the ball game. Kasi he did a lot of damage nung kalaban namin si Outtara,” recalled Pumaren, as UE had lost their round outing to UP, 71-84, last September 17.
With Outtara out, the Red Warriors were able to drive freely into the lane, while a Pasaol triple with 3:52 left gave UE a 68-58 edge after UP were able to cut the lead to just four. However, the second-year sensation cramped up afterwards.
“Nag-cramps na po ako nung time na yun, sabi ko kay manong sub na ako kasi sobrang sakit na. Buti sinwerte pa ulit,” added Pasaol.
Despite the efforts of Gelo Vito and the Gomez De Liano brothers, UP could not get closer, while a Pasaol and-one with 1:33 left sealed the win.
Mark Olayon added 11 points and 10 rebounds, as UE utilized a short rotation for the game with Nick Abanto and JC Cullar out due to injuries.
“It was a great effort for the guys. I was telling them that they had to contribute something when they get in the ball game, not necessarily scoring, but the little things. Those are the things that will win ball games for us and that’s what happened,” beamed Pumaren.
With the win, UE are now just a game behind UP in the standings with a 3-7 slate.
Juan Gomez De Liano finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three steals to pace UP, while his brother Javi added 17 points and 11 rebounds.
UE will next face the De La Salle University Green Archers on Wednesday, October 25, at 2:00pm. UP, on the other hand, hope to end their slump when they take on the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday, October 28 at 4:00pm. Both games will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Scores:
UE 73 – Pasaol 32, Olayon 11, Derige 9, Manalang 7, Maloles 5, Varilla 4, Acuno 3, Bartolome 2, Connner 0, Gagate 0
UP 64 – Gomez de Liano Ju 22, Gomez de Liano Ja 17, Desiderio 8, Manzo 7, Vito 4, Romero 4, Ouattara 2, Lim 0, Webb 0, Ricafort 0, Jaboneta 0
Quarterscores: 21-13, 36-28, 48-47, 73-64
