Mammie’s sterling game carries UE over Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – Charles Mammie dished out a monster performance while seldom-used Bong Galanza filled in for injured Roi Sumang as University of the East tripped Adamson, 77-60, Saturday in the UAAP Season 76 men's basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mammie banged in 24 points and hauled down 24 rebounds while Galanza stepped up with 17 markers, spiked by three triples, as the duo led the Warriors' break-away in the fourth canto of the game featuring two ousted squads just battling for pride.

The Warriors snapped a four-game slide and picked up their sixth win in 13 games while the Falcons absorbed their second straight loss for 4-10 overall in what's likely to be the coach Leo Austria's farewell game with AdU.

"It's been a month of struggle for us. This win is important because it not only put us back on track but also enabled us to get back at Adamson, which beat us in the first round," said UE coach Boycie Zamar in Filipino.

The Warriors suffered a spate of misfortunes in the last 30 days, missing Mammie, Ralf Olivares, and Lord Casajeros on suspensions in crucial matches that stymied their bid for a Final Four.

UE finally kissed its semis aspirations goodbye when it lost to Ateneo last Sunday, 72-77, a game that later led to some boardroom debates due to the presence of suspended Ateneo coach Bo Perasol and banned UE player Olivares in the venue.

Warriors ace Sumang suffered a strained right calf muscle in that game. He came in uniform Sunday but Zamar decided to give him a rest.

"He can play but we don't want to risk aggravation. Somebody has to fill his shoes and fortunately Galanza was there, as well as Ralf (Olivares), (Lord) Casajeros, it was really a collective effort," said Zamar.

 Olivares, back after a two-game suspension, added 11 markers while Casajeros chipped in eight.

Celedonio Trollano shot 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for AdU, which sent off graduating players Michael Agustin, Eric Cabigas, Rodney Brondial, Harry Petilos, Roider Cabrera, and Gian Abrigo.

Austria is possibly in this list as he had already expressed his intention to leave after this season. Austria had piled a record of 40-61 in seven seasons as AdU coach and steered the Falcons to three Final Four appearances.

"Right now I'm really sure (about not returning) and I think I deserve to take a break," said Austria, whose contract with ADU expires next month. "And there's no indication that they want me back; nobody's talking to me regarding my stint with Adamson. Maybe it's an indication that they want change."

The Scores:

UE 77 - Mammie 24, Galanza 17, Olivares 11, Casajeros 8, Alberto 7, Jumao-as 6, Santos 2, Noble 2, Pujante 0, Javier 0, Hernandez 0, Flores 0.

AdU 60 - Trollano 15, Monteclaro 10, Inigo 6, Cabrera 6, Brondial 6, Agustin 6, Cruz 5, Sewa 3, Petilos 2, Abrigo 1, Garcia 0, Cabigas 0.

QuarterscoresL 11-13, 43-38, 62-55, 77-60.