THE Southwestern University Cobras stumbled anew yesterday as they got routed by the debuting University of the East Red Warriors, 62-81, in Group B action of the 2013 FilOil Flying V Hanes Preseason Cup at the Arena in San Juan City.
The result was a far cry from their close battle with the five-time UAAP champions, Ateneo Blue Eagles, wherein they lost by a whisker, 72-77.
The writing was clearly on the wall early on as UE zoomed ahead, 21-11, after the opening quarter.
UE then turned to star guard, Roi Sumang, who dropped nine points in the second period punctuated by consecutive there-point bombs that helped the Red Warriors establish a 40-25 halftime lead.
The deficit ballooned to a high of 24, 55-79, as the Cobras faded down the stretch and failed to mount any semblance of a comeback leading to their second loss in as many games.
Sumang ended up with a complete stat-line of 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals while forward Adrian Santos added 16 points. The comebacking Lord Casajeros contributed 14 markers.
Cesafi Mythical Five member Monbert Arong had 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal but had a game-high six turnovers. 6-foot-11 Cameroonian, Fabrice Siewe tallied 11 points and six boards.
Meanwhile in the first game, the NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions bounced back from their opening day by downing the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 67-55.
Rome Dela Rosa led San Beda with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-10 clip from the field while Ola Adeogun added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Former San Beda Red Cub Paolo Pontejos had a stellar debut for JRU with 18 points but lacked support with the absence of star players Nate Matute and Alex Lopez. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio