Warriors end elims campaign with squeaker over winless Maroons

MANILA, Philippines – Charles Mammie imposed his strong presence anew as University of the East escaped a winless UP side, 76-73, in a non-bearing game the final elimination play date of the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Mammie banged in 21 points while Lord Casajeros and Ralf Olivarez chipped in 17 and 12 markers, respectively for the Warriors, who bucked the absence of star guard Roi Sumang due to injury.

"I told the team already that we are just one game away from the playoff and two from the Final Four so they should be proud," said UE coach Boycie Zamar.

"Pero na-hurt kami with the suspensions of our players like Olivarez, Mammie at Casajeros. Kita naman natin gano sila ka-importante sa team," he added.

Staring at an 11-point deficit at the start of the payoff period, UP opened the quarter with a scintillating 18-2 blast to take a 73-70 lead with 1:50 remaining.

Casajeros answered the call for the Warriors with a booming triple to tie the count at 73-all with 1:36 left.

Rookie Kyle Suarez missed two free throws at the 46.3 mark and UE capitalized on the next possession with a pick-and-roll play between Casajeros and Addy Santos, which led to a basket from the latter.

Raul Soyud and Suarez missed in the 3-point area in the ensuing play and Casajeros was immediately fouled.

The graduating Casajeros split his free throws as UE took a 76-73 lead with 1.9 ticks. Soyud then missed a potential game-tying triple at the buzzer.

Samuel Marata paced the Maroons with 22 markers while Soyud added 15 points as UP suffered their third winless season after going 0-14 in 2007 and 2010.