Warriors turn back Maroons; Eagles win

Games today (Smart-Araneta Coliseum)

2 p.m. – FEU vs Adamson

4 p.m. – NU vs La Salle

MANILA, Philippines - Charles Mammie erupted for game-highs of 17 points and 22 rebounds and Roi Sumang canned in four important free throws at the finish as University of the East fended off University of the Philippines, 62-57, to move up to joint second with Santo Tomas in the 76th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

The Warriors pounced on the Maroons’ crucial errors at endgame and went on to tie the Tigers at second place behind the Far Eastern U Tamaraws (6-0) at 4-3.

UE coach Boyzie Zamar, however, was far from satisfied on the effort put up by his team against the winless UP side.

“Success isn’t a popcorn that you’ll put in a microwave and get cooked in five minutes,” said Zamar.

The Warriors watched the Maroons self-destruct at the finish to eventually pull off the win.

Sumang, who struggled all day, went four of six in the last minute to finish with 10 points he spiked with nine rebounds and five assists for the Warriors.

Mammie stood at the forefront of UE’s bid early on, missing by one his season-high mark of 23 boards.

The Warriors dealt the Maroons a seventh straight loss in the season and 32nd in 35 games in the last three years.

Kiefer Ravena, gradually getting back to his old lethal form, delivered another clutch performance, leading Ateneo to a 61-57 win over Santo Tomas later in the day.

Ravena came through with a key basket and a crucial block in the homestretch capping a solid 13-point and eight-rebound game that powered the Blue Eagles to a third win against four losses.

“I’m about just 70 percent but I’m trying to contribute in any way I can,” said Ravena.

Ateneo coach Bo Perasol, for his part, said he’s happy the Eagles will go into the second round not far behind the leaders.

“I know we can always give anybody a tough fight if Kiefer or everybody is healthy. We’re just glad to end the first round with a third win, and we hope to utilize the long break to rest and polish,” said Perasol.

The Tigers had a chance to send the game into overtime but Kevin Ferrer missed two three-point attempts in the last 10 seconds of play.

Ravena, gaining possession after Ferrer’s second missed three-pointer, settled the outcome of the game with a foul shot.