UST guns for UAAP lead; UE goes for 2 straight

MANILA, Philippines — Can resurgent University of the East follow up its magnanimous win last weekend?

The on-target Red Warriors take on season host Adamson University in the first game of the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Wednesday action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

UE is coming off a morale-boasting 71-67 victory over pre-tournament favorite National University Bulldogs last Saturday and the team is hell bent on proving that its upset win is no fluke.

“The most important thing in the UAAP is the first win,” UE mentor Boycie Zamar said.

“Hopefully, we bring this (kind of game) against Adamson. We respect them but we have to work hard in our teamwork on offense and defense,” he added.

The Recto-based cagers will be led by spitfire guard Roi Sumang—the hero of their triumph over NU, slotman Charles Mammie, Chris Javier, Ralf Olivarez, and Jay-ar Sumido to get its second win.

Adamson, meanwhile, began the season with a win but dropped its last assignment — a 62-67 decision to University of Santo Tomas.

Wingman Jericho Cruz, Rodney Brondial, Ingrid Sewa and shooter Roider Cabrera will spearhead the Falcons’ assault.

Game time is at 2:00 p.m.

In the second match, the Growling Tigers gun for their 3^rd straight win and a share of the lead when they square off with a stunned NU quintet.

“Itong team na ito, medyo beterano na maglaro kaya kahit anong sitwayson, nakakapag-adjust kami,” quipped UST head coach Pido Jarencio.

The Espana five will pin its hopes on skipper Jeric Teng, Kevin Ferrer, Karim Abdul and Aljon Mariano to nail its third win.

The Bulldogs, who suffered a heartbreaking 67-71 loss in their last outing, will have to deal with the Tigers sans 6-foot-6 Cameroonian Alfred Aroga, ruled ineligible to play by the league this year due to residency woes.

Reigning back-to-back UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., Jean Mbe, wily playmaker Gelo Alolino, Troy Rosario and Dennice Villamor will lead the pack for the Bulldogs.– Rappler.com