By Jun Ray Navarres
University of the East tallied first win for the 86th season of UAAP Men’s Basketball against University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, October 1 at the MOA Arena.
The 80-70 win of the Red Warriors was their first opening day win since July 12, 2014, when they manhandled University of the Philippines in an 87-59 game.
“I’m so happy with the outcome of the game. Actually, we didn’t scout UST because, as you know, they’ve kept their team hidden for the past 10 months,” said coach Jack Santiago who’s already in his 3rd year of coaching the Red Warriors.
Despite the iconic “Go USTe” chant engulfing the arena, it was host team UE who made the early 8-0 run led by captain Abdul Sawat’s and-one play. Jonathan Ralf Gesalem tried to get the ball rolling for UST but Precious Momowei’s off-the-turnover dunk and Sawat’s three forced timeout for the Growling Tigers.
UST managed to find some rhythm to even the game at 22 but Adama Faye’s sudden absence gave UE some daylight, breaking away with a 13-1 run.
The Growling Tigers struggled to hit from the charity line, only averaging 64.9%. UE’s constant lane violation gave UST another chance at the line to prevent the gap from ballooning at the half, 46-34.
Mark Llemit’s three chipped away the Red Warriors lead down to single digit, 75-67, but Jack Cruz-Dumont retaliated with own three to bring back the game to UE.
Christian Manaytay was forced to take on Momowei but the latter’s aggressiveness gave him early trouble with foul. Manaytay fouled out with 4:44 left in the game while Nic Cabañero followed him with a minute remaining.
“They made the run, but I just told the boys not to give up and they responded very well,” added Santiago.
The Red Warriors tenacious defense proved difficult to handle for the Growling Tigers, resulting in 20 turnovers which converted to 21 points.
Also, the rebuilding of UE, especially Momowei’s late addition to the team work well in their favor, completely dominating the inside perimeter with 34 points including four blocks for the foreign athlete over just 14 points of UST.
“To be honest we were all very hopeless and I talked to the president of the school to be ready with all Filipino again,” said Santiago.
“We thanked the Lord because of the answered prayers.”
Rey Romogat led the charge for UE with 21 pts, 10 rebs, and three steals while Momowei added a double-double of 17pts and 15 reb.
UE will next face tough UP while UST will try to score first win against Adamson University on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
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