By Jun Ray Navarres
University of the East returned to the winning column after the heroics of Ethan Galang in the Wednesday showdown against Far Eastern University, 56-51 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite struggling 2-of-8 from the field, Galang posted eight consecutive points to complete the turnaround against Sean Chambers’ Tamaraws. He finished with 10 points including two threes in crunch time and three steals.
“I know I was off pretty much the whole game, but in that last minute, it was just keep shooting, keep my head up,” said Galang. “Whatever happened in the past can stay in the past.” shared the 23-year-old forward of UE.
Trailing the whole game, the Red Warriors found themselves down by 10, 42-32 with 2:21 in the third period.
Down only by a slim 42-38 after a late third quarter run, Gerard Wilson started the final chapter with a three to inch closer behind the Tamaraws. Precious Momowei followed with a split from the charity to tie the ball game, 42-42.
Series of ups and downs led to rookie Veejay Pre of FEU down the free throw line – which he split but extended the lead to two possessions, 51-47.
Precious cut the lead to 51-48 with 1:40 remaining and Galang stepped up to steal the limelight for the Red Warriors.
First, Galang sunk a three at the left side elbow to tie the ball game, 51-51. He immediately followed with a defensive stop on the other end to maneuver another three on the same spot to take the lead, 54-51 with only 25sec left. He finished his night with a pair of free throws.
“The boys responded very well. It’s so hard to play with a 0-2 record but I just gave some instructions to the boys to just stick together. Whatever happens, stick to the game plan,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago.
Wilson finished with 10 points while Momowei added seven alongside 12 rebounds and two blocks including one against Royce Alforque in late game stoppage.
On the other hand, this is the second time that the boys from España suffered a fourth quarter upset, previously against National University.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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