Even with star Point Guard, Roi Sumang, sitting the game out, the Warriors dismantled the bonfire-fresh Maroons, 68-48 at the Araneta Colesium.
The Warriors pressed and distressed the Maroons right at the onset of the game. Building an early double-digit lead, UE’s suffocating Pumaren Press would keep the Maroons, who shot a dismal 24 percent from the field, at bay. The Warriors also destroyed UE on the glass, gobbling up 56 boards compared to UP’s 35; a stark advantage that made up for their 29 turnovers.
UE’s Charles Mammie starred in his team’s thrashing of the Maroons. The center from Sierra Leone amassed of double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds with a side 4 blocks to boot. Dan Alberto did his work early, scoring 9 of his 11 points in the first half. The Warriors were also able to field all of their players except for Roi Sumang who still had a swelling foot per Coach Derrick Pumaren.
The Maroons were led by heady veteran, Mikee Reyes who scored 15 points on five for 15 shooting. Sophomore Kyles Lao added 10 markers on three for 11 shooting.
The win, brings UE to a 4-4 slate, tied with UST for fifth in the standings. UP now stands above only Adamson with a 1-7 record.
