Warriors whip Bulldogs, advance to second round

UNIVERSITY of the East (UE) relied on Alex Diakhite and Philip Manalang as it thumped National

winning note in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Six- foot- nine Senegalese center Diakhite had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds while captain Manalang notched 13 markers, seven assists and four boards, powering the Red Warriors to No. 6 with a 2-5 record at the

“My players resolved to carry us today. We knew that if we lost today, it would be almost impossible for us to get back,” said UE active consultant Lawrence Chongson. The Warriors have already surpassed its 1-13 slate last season.

“The win today should serve as an inspiration for us to learn how to win — make winning a habit,” added Chongson.

One-and-done standout Rey Suerte seven rebounds, six dimes and two steals while Neil Tolentino also chipped in 12 markers for the Rectobased team.

UE broke away from a 45-45 deadlock as Manalang knocked down a triple to cap a 15-2 run for a 60-47 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Back- to- back triples from Patrick Yu pushed NU, 55-62, but Diakhite completed an and-one play to restore a twin-digit advantage for the Warriors,

The Bulldogs threatened anew, 72-75, on Issa Gaye’s undergoal basket with 1:22 remaining.

NU guard Dave Ildefonso, however, committed an unsportsmanlike foul on UE forward Nick Abanto, who sank a free throw, 76-72, with 46.1 seconds left.

Ildefonso airballed a three-point attempt before Suerte sank two charities

Yu’s breakout effort of 17 points, including 10 markers in the payoff period, along with Shaun ildefonso’s 11 points went for naught as NU remained at the cellar with a 1-6 sheet.

Two- time champion Ateneo De Manila University and last season’s runner- up University of the Philip rematch at press time.

Earlier in women’s play, undisputed UE, 109-54, to complete a sweep of record streak.

In the other match, Ateneo ended its four-game losing skid with a 76-62 win over UP.

University of the East’s Alex Diakhite tries to dunk against Issa Gaye (left) and Shaun Ildefonso of National University during a Season 82 UAAP men’s basketball game on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.