Bulldogs bite Mammie-less Warriors, catch Tams on top

MANILA, Philippines – National U exploited the absence of suspended Charles Mammie to hack out an 81-73 win over University of the East Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to get a piece of the lead in the UAAP Season 76.

Without Mammie down low, Emmanuel Mbe imposed his will and got away with 18 points and 11 rebounds to help the Bulldogs catch FEU Tamaraws on top with their eight win in 11 games.

Mammie and teammate Lordy Casajeros served out their suspensions slapped by UAAP Commissioner Chito Loyzaga for repeated unsportsmanlike acts.

Despite missing its two key players, UE managed to make the game close until Mbe took over down the stretch. The 6-6 import pumped in eight of his total points in a blistering 11-4 exchange that extended a precarious two-point lead to a nine-point spread, 68-59.

NU held on to the victory with Bobby Ray Parks also chipping in a double-double with18 points and 10 boards.

UE slipped to its fifth loss in 10 games tying idle UST at fifth spot.