By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion University of the Philippines extended its dominance over University of the East, 70-61, to boost its bid for a semifinal incentive in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, Nov. 8.
Out to secure one of two semis incentives, the Fighting Maroons imposed their will in the middle quarters, erecting a 46-25 advantage and never looked back en route to their fourth straight win and 8th overall in 11 games
High-leaping Sean Alter electrified the UP crowd in one of those runs when he scored on a slam before Francis Nnoruka delivered timely baskets that quelled a late Red Warriors rally.
Woes continued to pile up for the Recto-based squad despite coach Chris Gavina’s return as it suffered its 11th consecutive loss and 16th straight since the latter part of Season 87.
The 6-foot-9 Nigerian led State U’s balanced attack with 16 points which went with 12 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal, while Alter and Gerry Abadiano chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively.
“We’ve played within the system, crashing the board, getting rebounds, making some stops, and running through transition. We made stops throughout the game and it worked for us,” said Nnoruka.
Coming off an impressive showing against University of Santo Tomas, 89-88, Noy Remogat had a quiet five-point show with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals for UP, while Harold Alarcon listed four points.
Toper Lagat shone for UE but his game-high 21 points and the 11 of Wello Linglingo went down the drain.
UP hopes to formally secure a semis berth when it battles fellow semis hopeful Adamson on Nov. 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE, meanwhile, guns for its first victory against University of Santo Tomas Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The scores:
UP 70 – Nnoruka 16, Alter 13, Abadiano 10, Fortea 6, Remogat 5, Alarcon 4, Coronel 4, Belmonte 4, Stevens 3, Bayla 3, Palanca 2, Yñiguez 0, Briones 0, Andres 0, Torres 0, Felicilda 0.
UE 61 – Lagat 21, Lingolingo 11, Despi 9, Malaga 6, Momowei 4, Distrito 4, Datumalim 3, Cabero 2, Mulingtapang 1, Rosete 0, Robles 0, Jimenez 0.
Quarters: 19-8, 44-25, 60-40, 70-61.
