by Pauline RIvera
The University of the East Red Warriors notched their first win against the defending champions National University Bulldogs, 76-71, Saturday, in the UAAP Season 78’s Men’s Basketball Tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Rookie Edson Batiller led the Red Warriors with 23 points, including a 14-point outburst during a huge UE run in the third period where they led by 14 points, 60-46.
The defending champions were down 68-75 when Nico Javelona cramped his right leg.
Still, NU Bulldog Javelona scored a three-pointer with three seconds left on the fourth quarter, cutting the Red Warrior lead to four, 75-71.
Conquering their first win of the season, UE was able to hold their lead against NU until the last second.
Warriors Edgar Charcos and Paul Varilla chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs with 23 points while Alfred Aroga tallied 8 points and 16 rebounds.
SCORES:
UE [76] - Batiller 23, Charcos 12, Varilla 11, Abanto 9, De Leon 8, Palma 6, Sta. Ana 4, Manalang 3, Derige 0, Gagate 0, Gonzales 0, Yu 0, Penuela 0
NU [71] - Alolino 23, Javelona 16, Aroga 8, Salim 6, Diputado 5, Javillonar 4, Neypes 4, Abatayo 2, Celda 2, Alejandro 0, Rangel 0, Morido 0
QUARTER SCORES: 20-16, 32-37, 60-46, 76-71.
The defending champions were down 68-75 when Nico Javelona cramped his right leg.
Still, NU Bulldog Javelona scored a three-pointer with three seconds left on the fourth quarter, cutting the Red Warrior lead to four, 75-71.
Conquering their first win of the season, UE was able to hold their lead against NU until the last second.
Warriors Edgar Charcos and Paul Varilla chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs with 23 points while Alfred Aroga tallied 8 points and 16 rebounds.
SCORES:
UE [76] - Batiller 23, Charcos 12, Varilla 11, Abanto 9, De Leon 8, Palma 6, Sta. Ana 4, Manalang 3, Derige 0, Gagate 0, Gonzales 0, Yu 0, Penuela 0
NU [71] - Alolino 23, Javelona 16, Aroga 8, Salim 6, Diputado 5, Javillonar 4, Neypes 4, Abatayo 2, Celda 2, Alejandro 0, Rangel 0, Morido 0
QUARTER SCORES: 20-16, 32-37, 60-46, 76-71.