By NIKOLE JAVIER
Captain Abdul Sawat and rookie Precious Momowei led the way as University of the East ended a 5-game losing run with an 86-73 demolition of University of Santo Tomas in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Red Warriors came out the better side, taking a 29-19 advantage at the close of the first quarter which they wisely protected thanks to the dynamic duo.
Both Sawat and Momowei delivered 17 points apiece, but the newcomer produced 17 rebounds to finish with a double-double outing.
Ethan Galang, who caught fire from beyond the arc in the closing period on a 3-of-4 shooting, tallied 11 points.
UE zoomed to its biggest lead oat 83-63 in the fourth period on a Momowei layup with 3:47 left to spare.
Although UST went on a 7-0 counter-attack, it was not enough to change the complexion of the game especially after Nic Cabañero missed a fast break layup.
With under a minute to go, UE’s Rey Remogat was not done with the assault and fired a long triple to finally seal the deal and complete a two-game sweep of the Espana-based squad.
Since its breakthrough 68-62 win against Far Eastern University, UST absorbed back-to-back losses and slid 1-8 in the standings.
The scores:
UE 86 – Momowei 17, Sawat 17, Galang 11, Remogat 9, Fikes 7, Spandonis 6, Tulabut 6, Cruz-Dumont 5, Maglupay 4, Lingolingo 4, Langit 0, Gilbuena 0, Alcantara 0.
UST 73 – Pangilinan 20, Cabañero 18, Calum 11, Duremdes 7, Manaytay 4, Manalang 3, Crisostomo 3, Ventulan 3, Laure 2, Lazarte 1, Moore 1, Llemit 0.
Quarters: 29-19, 55-46, 67-53, 86-73.
