UE holds off late NU rally for first win

Pria Fernandez
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--UE nearly let a third quarter storm go down the drain but still had enough muscle to give defending champion NU a second straight defeat to start UAAP Season 78 with a 76-71 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.

The Red Warriors outscored the Bulldogs, 28-9, in the third period to open a 60-46 lead with ten minutes left in the match.

But the Bulldogs opened the payoff period with a 15-2 run to cut the lead to as low as one point, 62-61.

UE put on a 14-5 rally later in the fourth that helped seal the victory for the team.

Rookie Edson Batiller once again showed brilliance for the Red Warriors with 23 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while sophomore Edgar Charcos added 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Gelo Alolino had 23 markers of his own along with five caroms, four dimes, and two swipes for the Bulldogs, who are off to their first 0-2 start under Coach Eric Altamirano.

Box Scores:

UE 76-Batiller 23, Charcos 12, Varilla 11, Abanto 9, De Leon 8, Palma 6, Sta. Ana 4, Manalang 3, Derige 0, Gagate 0, Gonzales 0, Yu 0, Penuela 0

NU 71-Alolino 23, Javelona 16, Aroga 8, Salim 6, Diputado 5, Javillonar 5, Neypes 4, Abatayo 2, Ceda 2, Alejandro 0, Rangel 0, Morido 0

Quarterscores: 20-16, 32-37, 60-46, 76-71