UE finally notches win, sends UST to first round shutout

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Alvin Pasaol finally converted his surprise explosion last Wednesday into a win for UE.
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY -- Alvin Pasaol exploded anew for UE, but Philip Manalang and Mark Olayon also provided some spark as the team finally barged to the win column in the UAAP men's basketball tournament with a 96-91 win over UST at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday.

The Red Warriors went to a good start, opening a 54-43 halftime lead over the Growling Tigers.

UST, however, came alive in the second half, dropping 28 points in the third period and kept in step with UE for most of the fourth quarter.

Olayon, however, came up with clutch baskets even as Pasaol scored on a crucial follow-up and Manalang forced Marvin Lee to a huge turnover and made two free throws that iced the game.

Pasaol followed up on a 49-point explosion against La Salle on Wednesday with 32 markers with 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Manalang came up with 20 points, seven assists, and two steals and Olayon tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks for UE.

Lee finished with 20 markers for UST, which finished the first round winless for the first time in the Final Four era.

The Scores:

UE 96 – Pasaol 32, Manalang 20, Olayon 15, Varilla 15, Bartolome 5, Acuno 4, Abanto 2, Conner 2, Maloles 1, Derige 0, Cullar 0

UST 91 – Lee 20, Akomo 19, Sta. Ana 13, Faundo 12, Caunan 10, De Guzman 4, Lorenzana 3, Soriano 2, Romero 2, Huang 2, Garcia 2, Escalambre 2, Macasaet 0, Kwawukumey 0

Quarter scores: 27-20, 54-43, 75-71, 96-91

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