Sumang explodes, pulls of game-winner as UE escapes UST

MANILA, Philippines – Roi Sumang isn’t called 'Super' for nothing.

Sumang starred anew as UE eked out a gut-wrenching 68-67 victory over UST in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night.

With the Warriors facing a 49-58 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter, “Super” Sumang took it upon himself to rescue his team from the brink of defeat and started a blistering 11-0 blast to open the period. The fiery UE guard accounted for most of the points, either on his own or by feeding his teammates.

Ed Daquiaog broke UST's drought after hitting a lay-up to restore order for the Tigers in the face of the Warriors’ onslaught to take a 60-59 lead at the 4:56 mark.

UE coach Boycie Zamar gave the sensational Sumang a quick breather for the final stretch and UST took advantage to extended their lead, 65-59, after Tata Bautista sank two freebies with 3:50 remaining.

Lord Casajeros surprisingly punched in five straight points, including a booming triple to cut UE’s deficit, 64-65, with a 3:04 left.

Karim Abdul stepped up to the line and delivered two points from the free throw area to give UST's last points and a 67-64 margin in the next possession.

Then Sumang came back to the game to finish the job. He cut the lead to one after a defensive gem from UE resulting into an uncontested lay-up with 20 seconds left.

UST committed a crucial turnover when Daquioag threw an errant pass in their inbound play that led to Kevin Ferrer stepping out of bounds, setting up the final act of Sumang'a heroics.

In UE's last possession, the third year guard sized up Daquioag and cleverly left him to dust, eluded Kevin Ferrer and miraculously got a shot off a defending Abdul via a magnificent scoop inside for the marginal basket.

The Tigers had the chance to win the game but they fumbled the ball, leading to a desperation heave from Ferrer that didn't even hit the rim to the delight of the UE supporters.

"Kung sino na talaga may malaking puso yung lang sabi ni coach sa timeout, kaya hiningi ko na yung bola sa last possession," said Sumang, pertaining to UE’s last play.

Sumang finished with 20 points, including 12 in the final canto, while adding 10 assists, validating his place as one of the top players in the league.

Ralf Olivarez chipped 15 points, all in the first half, while Charles Mammie recorded a double-double with 10 markers and 15 boards.

"Sa game na ito si Sumang, di lang siya ang heart namin. Pati head siya na din," said Zamar.

"Masaya ako sa four-game winning streak namin. Nakita natin na it's everybody's ball game in the second round," he added.

Abdul had a monster performance with 23 points and 20 boards, but it was not enough for the Growling Tigers, who missed their captain Jeric Teng for the fifth straight game. UST lost forward Aljon Mariano in the third period due to a sprained ankle.

UE improved their record to 5-3 to tie NU at second place while UST dropped to 4-4.