8 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – University of the Philippines surprised the crowd in the opening of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament as they dispatched University of the East, 87-58, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons was off to a hot start as they took a 10-0 run in the first period.
However, the Red Warriors managed to inch within three coming into the second quarter, 18-15. Veteran Alvin Pasaol also boosted his squad to put the game at dreadlock, 33-all to close the first half.
The Maroons came back from the dug out in a renewed state and took a 25-12 run in the third quarter, 58-45.
They never looked back as Cebuano Jun Manzo powered a 12-3 run in the final salvo to take a 22-point lead and easily seal the win.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year Juan Gomez fe Liaño paved the way for the Maroons with 16 points, seven reboundsand six assists, while Bright Akhuetie added a double-double record of 15 points and 18 boards on top of three steals.
Manzo chipped in 13 points for the win.
On the other hand, Pasaol was the lone double-digit scorer for the Warriors with 14 points.
The Scores
UP 87 – Gomez de Liano Ju. 16, Akhuetie 15, Manzo 13, Desiderio 12, Gomez de Liano Ja. 10, Vito 7, Murrell 6, Lim 2, Tungcab 2, Prado 2, Gozum 2, Dario 0, Spencer 0, Jaboneta 0, Espanola 0, Longa 0.
UE 58 – Pasaol 14, Antiporda 9, Beltran 8, Manalang 6, Varilla 6, Bartolome 4, Maloles 4, Cullar 3, Conner 2, Acuno 2, Gallardo 0, Lacap 0.
Quarters: 18-13, 33-33, 58-45, 87-58.
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