UE, Adamson escape foes

Games today:

Mall of Asia

2 p.m. – UP vs. Ateneo

4 p.m. – FEU vs. UST

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors dealt the La Salle Green Archers another heartbreaker of a loss as they rallied from a 10-point deficit in the final period to squeak by, 85-83, in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the second game, the Adamson Soaring Falcons also pulled off a close one against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 68-66.

Jericho Cruz starred in the pivotal win for Adamson by scoring 16 of his 18 points in the second half, including a jumper that trickled in to put the Falcons on top, 68-63, with under two minutes remaining.

NU persevered and was within two, 66-68, after reigning league MVP Bobby Ray Parks completed a three-point play with 15.6 seconds left.

The Bulldogs saw a glimmer of hope after Adamson forward Roider Cabrera missed two freethrows with 14.4 ticks remaining. But NU guard Robin Rono missed a wide-open three pointer from the corner as time expired to preserve the Adamson’s third win in five games. NU fell to 3-3 (win-loss).

Meanwhile, former University of the Visayas Green Lancer Ralf Olivares showed he was no typical rookie as he scored six points in crunchtime that included a booming three pointer that put the Red Warriors up for good.

The Green Archers appeared to have gained control of the game as they led, 68-58, with more than eight minutes left.  UE’s Roi Sumang started UE’s comeback while Olivares put the finishing touches to tow the Red Warriors to the win.

Sumang led UE with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Charles Mammie had 19 points and 16 boards. Olivares ended up with eight as UE evened its record to 3-3. La Salle fell to 2-3.