UE beats UST to book a playoff showdown with NU
The University of the East Red Warriors outlasted the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 78-73, to set a playoff match against National University for the final spot to the final four in the UAAP Season 77 Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bong Galanza had 17 points and seven rebound to lead the Red Warriors into a desired victory. Moreover, Dan Alberto added 15 points and four rebounds to compliment the great game from Galanza.
UE’s Charles Mammie played only in the second half after arriving minutes late before the tipoff. Coach Derrick Pumaren imposed a “disciplinary action” to Mammie the never put the Red Warriors in jeopardy.
UE Red Warriors stayed close with the lead against the Growling Tigers in the first half, 36-35.
Sierra Leonean center Mammie was added into the roster in the second half and he played with such urgency to help the Warriors in slowly dislodging the Growling Tigers. The Red Warriors delivered a 22-10 spark that handed them the 58-45 advantage in the third quarter.
The Tigers tried to bounce back by cutting the deficit in to six, 75-69, with 1:15 left. However, the Tigers were forced to a crucial turnover at the stretch.
Aljon Mariano scored 18 points for the Growling Tigers.
UE has been hot in the second round by winning 6 of 7 games. UE will meet NU in a playoff match.
