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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST demolish National
University 82-69 on Thursday to gain an early lead in the 71st
University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s
basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.
Guard James Martinez scored 16 points,
highlighted by four triples, and had 6 rebounds and two assists for
the Red Warriors, who posted their second straight win after a 78-73
decision over the UST Tigers on July 5.
A victory for Ateneo, which was playing against
Adamson as of presstime, would allow the Eagles to gain a share of
the lead with the Warriors.
Forward Elmer Espiritu, tasked to fill in the
shoes left by graduates Mark Borboran and Kelvin Gregorio,
contributed 11 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.
“We relaxed a little bit in the middle of the
game and I told them to be more aggressive. I’m happy that they
responded well,” said UE mentor Dindo Pumaren.
Edwin Asoro had 19 points for the Bulldogs, who
absorbed their second straight loss. Melvin Baloran and Raymund
Aguilar added 17 and 12 points, respectively.
Martinez scattered three 3-pointers in a 30-13
run as the Red Warriors posted their biggest lead at 67-49 in the
third quarter.
“He’s [Martinez] always there when we needed
him. Maganda ang galaw ng bata, consistent siyang maglaro,” added
Pumaren.
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