By MARK REY MONTEJO
Gjerard Wilson and Ethan Galang worked hand in hand to tow University of the East past Far Eastern University, 56-51, and claim its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Galang registered eight of his 10 points – including back-to-back triples – down the stretch to spark a 7-0 run that highlighted a wild chase and a defensive masterclass from the Red Warriors with only two minutes left.
Wilson, for his part, tallied all of his 10 markers – 2-of-2 from the three-point area – in the second half as UE took its first win against two losses while also sending FEU to its third straight defeat in the tournament.
“I just gave some instruction to the boys that we must stick together,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago.
“I’m so happy that even though were down, nando’n parin kami sa game plan namin,” he added.
Jorick Bautista scored 16 points while Veejay Pre added 13 as victory remained elusive for head coach Sean Chambers and the Tamaraws.
FEU got off to a strong start and even built a 10-point lead, 24-14, in the second frame thanks to Bautista, who caught fire and was perfect from the distance.
Jack Cruz-Dumont and Rainer Maga then retaliated for the Red Warriors and had some answers to cut the margin to just seven, 32-25.
Despite the efforts from Pre, the Tamaraws failed to protect the lead as they went scoreless for almost three minutes in the fourth period which the Red Warriors took advantage of.
The scores:
UE (56) – Wilson 10, Galang 10, Maga 9, Momowei 7, Lingolingo 7, J. Cruz-Dumont 4, Abate 4, Mulingtapang 3, Fikes 2, Robles 0, Spandonis 0, Jimenez 0.
FEU (51) – Bautista 16, Pre 13, Konateh 6, Alforque 5, Bagunu 5, Pasaol 3, Ona 3, Montemayor 0, Nakai 0, Daa 0, Jones 0, Duque 0.
Quarterscores: 9-14, 25-32, 38-42, 56-51
