Franz Pumaren on sweeping big bro Derrick in Season 80: ‘Siya na magbo-blowout ngayon’

MANILA, Philippines – After the UE Red Warriors won an improbable two straight games against UST and NU, “Manong” Coach Derrick Pumaren had one wish before facing his brother Franz’s Adamson Falcons.

“Sana makabawi ako ng dinner (I hope I can get a free dinner),” he mused.

In response, the third-placer Falcons grounded the Warriors, 66-57, holding UE to the lowest points any team has scored this season. Wish denied, Manong.

He almost had the free dinner – local hero Alvin Pasaol scored half of UE’s 30 points heading into halftime, with Adamson only leading by 5. However, the “Double J” backcourt of Jerie Pingoy and Jerrick Ahanmisi cranked up the defensive chippiness in the second half, resulting in a bloodied face for Sean Maganti and a pair of sprains on UE’s JC Cullar and Nick Abanto.

When the dust settled, the hawk-eyed Pingoy led the Falcons with 3 pinpoint steals while Ahanmisi led in scoring with 14 points. Bruising big man Papi Sarr held down the fort with 12 points to go along with a game-high 15 rebounds. On the other end, Pasaol cooled down his hot first half and finished with a respectable double-double of 22 points and 12 boards on 10/26 (38%) shooting.

Now, Adamson stands at a 6-3 win-loss card in the season standings, good for solo third place and just one game behind their next opponent, the champion DLSU Green Archers. Despite the tall task ahead, Coach Franz has all the reasons to celebrate for a while as his big bro’s Warriors fall to 2-7.

“Siya na [manlilibre] ngayon (He’ll be the one to treat me to a meal now),” said the younger Pumaren. “Sinasabi ko nga kanina during the huddle eh, sabi ko, “Ikaw na magbo-blowout ngayon (Dinner’s on you).” – Rappler.com