Sumang keys Warriors win over Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Roi Sumang sneaked through three defenders and banged in a tight lay-up against Karim Abdul in the closing seconds, lifting University of the East to a pulsating 68-67 win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Sumang’s endgame heroics capped his 20-point, 10-assist performance in a game that saw the Warriors rally from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to snatch the win.

It was UE’s fifth victory against three defeats as it tied National U at second behind FEU’s 7-1 slate.

The Tigers dropped to 4-4.

“He’s not just the heart of our team, he’s also the head,” said UE coach Boycie Zamar of his prized guard who either scored or assisted in 16 of UE’s 21 points in the fourth.

UE faced a 47-58 deficit before the 5-foot-10 Sumang took over and sparked a 12-0 run that brought them back into the contest.

The Tigers restored a 67-64 lead only for Sumang to bail UE out again. He scored on transition then helped UE force UST to lose possession off the inbounds. Back on the offensive, Sumang got past Ed Daquiaog and Kevin Ferrer before defying Abdul’s outstretched arm for the game-winner.

The Tigers still had 11 seconds to mount a fightback but flubbed in their offensive thrust, enabling the Warriors to preserve the lead and the win.

Ralf Olivares added 15 markers and Charles Mammie, who missed their first-round encounter due to suspension, had 10 points and 15 rebounds for the Warriors.

Abdul finished with 23 points and 20 rebounds for the Jeric Teng-less UST, whose bid was also hurt by the ankle sprain suffered by Aljon Mariano halfway through the third.

Earlier, defending champion Ateneo bucked a sluggish start to turn back University of the Philippines, 67-59, and post its third straight win for a 4-4 overall mark. The Maroons suffered their eighth straight setback.