Warriors, Red Lions seal Filoil title clash

University of the East held Adamson to just four points in overtime while scoring 14 of its own as the Warriors carved out a 73-63 victory to arrange a title duel for the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup with San Beda at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Hans Thiele poured six of his eight points in the extra period, the last two giving the Warriors a 71-63 cushion before Gino Etrone made two charities off Jan Julius Colina to seal the victory.

The Red Lions outlasted the La Salle Archers, 87-75, later in the day to set the title clash with the Warriors.

Sam Ekwe dominated the paint while Gabo Lanete and Ogie Menor buried a triple each in the last three minutes as San Beda broke away from a 72-all count behind a decisive 11-2 windup.

Jack Santiago, an assistant of coach Franz Pumaren, nearly went against an irate San Beda fan but was restrained by other members of La Salle’s coaching staff.

It was a big recovery for the fancied Warriors, the losing finalists in last year’s UAAP who played listlessly in regulation of the game they were tipped to dominate.

After closing out the first quarter ahead at 16-6, the Recto-based squad failed to sustain their charge, making a series of turnovers and missed shots and enabling the Falcons to claw back.

Paul Dhanru Gonzalgo and Colina stepped up for Adamson, which closed to within 24-26 at the turn before trading baskets in the second half which ended at 59-all.

The Falcons actually had a chance to steal the win in regulation with UE only ahead by one, 59-58, and Reynaldo Gorospe drawing a foul as he went for a shot.

But Gorospe flubbed the rear end of his charities, paving the way for overtime.

Fhadzmir Bandaying led the Warriors with 17, Espiritu added 11 points and 16 rebounds, and Narciso Llagas also had 11.

Gonzalgo and Colina fired 12 points each and Michael Galinato had 10 points for the Falcons, who surprised the Ateneo Eagles, 80-77, to reach the semis of the tournament backed by Total Metro Oil, Canopy Homes, Flying V Biodiesel Premium, Smart, Boysen, Bayo, Metathione, Padi’s Point, CDO, Reyes Barbecue, Tanduay, Burlington, Chowking, Ecology Marine Transport Specialist, Inc., Centrum, Diamond Purified Drinking Water, Nike and Happy Feet.