MANILA, Philippines – Chris Javier played the hero’s role once more, delivering a dagger with 0.4 seconds left to steer University of the East to a jaw-dropping 79-77 stunner over Ateneo de Manila University in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Thursday, September 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With virtually the final play similar to their most recent win, spitfire guard Roi Sumang attacked the Blue Eagles’ defense before throwing a pass to Javier, who calmly sank the jumper that gave the Red Warriors their second straight win and what could be the biggest upset of the season yet.
Javier’s heroics put an exclamation point to a sterling performance by guard Gene Belleza, who fired a career-best 28 points and five rebounds, for the Recto-based squad.
“Everything will be magical if you really work hard,” exclaimed jubilant coach Boycie Zamar in his second trip to the post-game interviews.
Javier, the sophomore center out of San Beda High School, backstopped Belleza with 15 points and six rebounds, Sumang added 15 markers, five boards, 10 assists and two steals, and Adi Santos had 13 rebounds and 11 points, including a layup that shoved UE ahead, 77-75, with 20 seconds left.
Ravena tied it at 77-all with 7.8 ticks remaining but Zamar drew Sumang’s calling card to lead the Warriors in the end game.
Slaughter put up a monster statline of 24 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks even as Ravena (15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals) and Justin Chua (11 points, nine boards) contributed as the Eagles lost for just the second time this season.
DLSU steps closer to final four
In the second game, Almond Vosotros scored 20 of his game-high 21 points in the last 14 minutes to propel De La Salle University to a hard-earned 76-69 triumph over University of the Philippines in the main game.
The Fighting Maroons kept the game close through the first three quarters but a Vosotros explosion created much-needed separation as the Green Archers strengthened their hold of the fourth spot with a 7-4 card.
Rookie phenom Jeron Teng had 16 points in the first half and finished with 19 markers and five boards for the Taft-based crew while Norbert Torres asserted himself early in the game to wound up with 13 points and five rebounds.
On the other hand, Mike Silungan top scored for UP with 14 points even as Jett Manuel and Mark Lopez chipped in with 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The scores:
UE (79) – Belleza 28, Sumang 15, Javier 15, Santos 11, Sumido 7, Duran 3, Villarias 0, Olayon 0, Hernandez 0, Galanza 0
ADMU (77) – Slaughter 24, Ravena 15, Chua 11, Gonzaga 9, Salva 6, Golla 2, Buenafe 2, Sumalinog 0, Pessumal 0, Elorde 0
Quarters: 10-19, 34-36, 53-56, 79-77
DLSU (76) – Vosotros 21, Teng 19, N. Torres 13, Mendoza 7, Van Opstal 6, T. Torres 4, Andrada 2, Manguera 2, Tampus 2, Tallo 0, Webb 0
UP (69) – Silungan 14, Manuel 12, Lopez 10, Padilla 9, Asilum 6, Soyud 4, Romero 4, Gamboa 3, Mbah 2, Montecastro 2, Hipolito 2, Ball 1
Quarters: 19-14, 41-34, 54-50, 76-69 – Rappler.com
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