By Jerome Lagunzad
University of the East star Alvin Pasaol failed to surpass his remarkable offensive performance the last time out, but he – and the rest of the Red Warriors – celebrated in a big way.
Pasaol capped another sizzling performance with a clutch putback with 22.7 seconds left as UE staved off University of Santo Tomas’ fightback , 96-91, and finally barged into the winners’ column of the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Picking up from where he left off after exploding for 49 points in their loss to defending champion La Salle last Wednesday, Pasaol waxed hot anew with 32 points, 10 of them coming in the final frame where UE flirted with big disaster against a gritty UST crew.
“The boys really played hard. The effort we had against La Salle was really awesome and we showed it again today,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren, sounding satisfied with his wards’ impressive start ignited by Pasaol and timely defensive stops in the closing stages.
Philip Manalang chiefly backed up Pasaol offensively with a career-high 20 points and a game-best seven assists.
First Game
UE 96 – Pasaol 32, Manalang 20, Olayon 15, Varilla 15, Bartolome 5, Acuno 4, Abanto 2, Conner 2, Maloles 1, Derige 0, Cullar 0
UST 91 – Lee 20, Akomo 19, Sta. Ana 13, Faundo 12, Caunan 10, De Guzman 4, Lorenzana 3, Soriano 2, Romero 2, Huang 2, Garcia 2, Escalambre 2, Macasaet 0, Kwawukumey 0
Quarters: 27-20, 54-43, 75-71, 96-91.