UAAP: Fighting Maroons sustain form, cruise past Red Warriors

University of the Philippines‘ Veejay Pre in action against University of the East in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — University of the Philippines sustained its form as it cruised past University of the East, 101-70, in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.

The Fighting Maroons secured their seventh victory in nine games to remain in the top-two picture, with Veejay Pre showcasing his form anew with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

It was State U’s balanced attack in the first quarter, however, that laid the foundation for the dominant win, with Jacob Bayla, Miguel Yniguez, and Reiner Maga helping their squad build a 12-point lead at the end of the opening frame before UP eventually stretched its advantage to as much as 26, 87-61, in the fourth period.

Gani Stevens finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and an assist against his former squad, while Choi Palanca added 12 points for UP, which also extended its win streak to five games.

UP’s balanced production, meanwhile, proved too much for UE to overcome as the Red Warriors’ encouraging performances in their past two assignments came to a halt.

Toper Lagat continued to be the brightest spot for UE with 23 points built on three triples, but his efforts went to waste once more as the Red Warriors absorbed their 29th straight loss and ninth consecutive defeat this season.

UP 101 — Pre 14, Stevens 13, Palanca 12, Dimaculangan 9, Ududo 9, Franco 8, Alter 8, Yniguez 7, Andres 6, Bayla 5, Payosing 4, Maga 4, Briones 2, Remogat 0.

UE 70 — Lagat 23, Tanedo 11, Jimenez 9, Dungca 9, Edokou 4, Cruz-Dumont 4, Sabroso 3, Vazquez 2, Mascarinas 2, Robles 2, Santos 0, Javier 0, Perez 0, Apostol 0.

Quarterscores: 29-17, 51-40, 75-59, 101-70.