By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM—UE banked on the Pumaren-perfected pressure defense to nose out a gritty SWU squad, 63-59, in the nightcap of the seniors' action of the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Friday.
With the reigning CESAFI champions Cobras keeping their momentum from Wednesday's win against the Mapua Cardinals, the Red Warriors banked on their pressure defense late in the match to withhold the Cobras. Overall, the Red Warriors made 12 steals and forced the Cobras to 22 turnovers.
Renz Palma scored 18 points along with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block for UE, which has now tied CEU in first place of Group B with a 5-1 record.
Boko Mupungo had a game-high 20 points with 11 rebounds and three blocks for SWU, which dropped to 1-3.
Box Scores:
UE 63-Palma 18, De Leon 8, Charcos 7, Awana 6, Abanto 6, Manalang 4, Gonzales 4, Batiller 4, Guiang 4, P. Varilla 2, Gagante 0, Sta. Ana 0, J. Varilla 0, Penuela 0, Mina 0, Cruz 0
SWU 59-Mupungo 20, Goloran 15, Tallo 7, Parker 6, Holper 3, Pardo 3, Bregondo 3, Luz 2, Auditor 0, Acuno 0
Quarterscores: 19-14, 36-32, 49-48, 63-59
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