Sumang strikes dagger as UE bombs NU

MANILA, Philippines — Roi Sumang completed a 4-point play with 3.7 seconds left as University of the East stunned National University, 71-67, for its first win in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the game tied at 67-all, Sumang pulled up for a deep three over the defense of Ray Parks, fishing a foul and making the bonus as the Red Warriors punctuated their bounce-back effort with a victory.

“Roi told me to give him the ball in the last play,” said UE coach Boycie Zamar. “He brought the right baggage and that was his biggest heart. He delivered.”

Sumang finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Warriors while hulking Charles Mammie avoided foul trouble this time to post monster numbers of 15 points, 20 rebounds and 3 steals.

The Bulldogs got off to a quick start courtesy of Jean Mbe, who scored 11 points as NU built a 16-10 lead.

But UE slowly crawled back as Gino Jumao-as and Mammie teamed up to spearhead the Warriors in outscoring the Bulldogs in the second period, 20-13. 

From there, both squads took turns in dropping runs before baskets by Sumang shoved UE ahead, 67-63, with over two minutes left.

Parks sank a basket while Gelo Alolino and Mbe contributed a free-throw apiece to tie the game at 67-all, with 1:19 on the clock.

Bong Galanza missed his attempt for the Warriors but Sumang hit the killer to complete the Saturday stunner.

Mbe cooled down and wounded up with 18 points and 11 rebounds, Parks shot 3-of-16 and scored 11 markers as NU was sent crashing back to earth after a resounding win over Ateneo de Manila University. – Rappler.com