UNIVERSITY of the Philippines fended off University of the East’s late charge and pulled off a 62-56 win on Saturday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
A Jaydee Tungcab triple and a split charity from Kobe Paras gave the Maroons a 61-56 cushion with 1:09 left before putting on the defensive stops on the Warriors.
It was the third straight win for UP following back-to-back wins over Adamson (83-82 in overtime) and National University (80-79), improving to 4-1 to inch closer to unbeaten Ateneo (4-0).
Bright Akhuetie paced with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists for the Maroons, who led by as many as 12 points, 39-27, at the half.
The Warriors trimmed their deficit entering the payoff period by outscoring the Maroons, 15-7, but fell short in the crunch.
Javi Gomez de Liaño chipped in 15 points while Paras finished with 12 points, 10 boards and three blocks for UP.
The Warriors slipped to their fourth loss in five games, failing to follow-up their 89-88 victory on the La Salle Archers last week.
Alex Diakhetie as the lone bright spot for UE with 21 points, 17 boards and five assists as Rey Suerte was held to just four points this time.
In UE’s overtime win over La Salle, 89-88, Suerte exploded for 31 points. (Kristel Satumbaga)
First Game
UP 62 – Akhuetie 16, Ja. Gomez de Liano 15, Paras 12, Rivero 7, Tungcab 4, Ju. Gomez de Liano 3, Manzo 3, Webb 2, Murrell 0, Prado 0, Spencer 0.
UE 56 – Diakhite 21, Abanto 9, Tolentino 8, Antiporda 6, Pagsanjan 6, Suerte 4, Cruz 2, Manalang 0, Mendoza 0, Natividad 0.
Quarters: 23-15, 39-27, 46-42, 62-56.
