The University of the East Warriors got inspiration from the presence of Gilas Pilipinas cager Paul Lee.
The Warriors shot well all afternoon and repulsed repeated comebacks by the National University Bulldogs to post a 78-72 win Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs struggled with their shooting and tried to make up for it with their defense, but the Warriors’ accuracy allowed them to claim their second win in seven games in the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Lee fired up the Warriors by joining them in the dugout before the game, providing inspiring messages and tips.
Philip Manalang unloaded nine of his 13 points in the first period as the Warriors immediately took control with a 9-2 spurt and an 18-12 edge after a 10-minute span.
“Medyo pinalad kami ngayong araw. We knew that if we should lose today, magiging imposible nang makabawi,” said Warriors coach Lawrence Chongson.
UE, which went on to finish with a 54.7% shooting clip, making 29 of 53 attempts for the highest field-goal percentage recorded this season by any team, climbed to fifth spot.
Alex Diakhite shot 22 points and had 13 points for UE Red Warriors, who exceeded their win total of one from last season.
On the other hand, NU dropped to its sixth loss in seven matches.
After leading by as much as 13 points, the Warriors lost their lead on a 9-0 NU rally in the last 8:22, which Migz Oczon capped with a triple, 68-69.
But NU’s poor shooting performance finally showed after UE kept its distance with unanswered layups from Neil Tolentino and Diakhite.
Tolentino, who contributed 12 points, went on to assist his teammates in scoring UE’s last six points.
Despite the setback, Patrick Yu still banged in a season-high 17 points for the Bulldogs, while Shaun Ildefonso added11.
