FilOil: Run goes on as UE enters finals

MANILA, Philippines — The dream is alive.

University of the East valiantly overcame a 16-point deficit to turn back University of Santo Tomas, 77-75, and enter the finals of the 2013 FilOil Flying V Premier Cup Friday, June 7, at The Arena in San Juan.

Roi Sumang issued a perfect assist to Charles Mammie just as the shot clock expired to provide the game’s most telling blow with 21.7 seconds remaining as the Red Warriors completed the shocker.

The Growling Tigers zoomed to a 39-26 lead at the half behind the post dominance of Karim Abdul, who had 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the first 20 minutes.

But UE’s big men bounced back in the last two quarters, with JM Noble, Chris Javier and Mammie conspiring for an 11-0 run in the fourth period to push the Warriors to a 64-59 edge.

Kevin Ferrer, who had a game-high 19 points, knocked in a triple to tie the match at 71-all but fouled out in the ensuing play as Noble completed a three-point play that gave the lead back to UE.

“We did not play like the ‘new’ UE Red Warriors in the first 3 quarters,” said coach Boycie Zamar. “In the 4th, we started to become more determined.”

Sumang, Mammie and Noble all scored 16 points for the Warriors, who won their 7th straight game after a 0-2 start. – Rappler.com