15/12/2024
EAST TIME FOR MORE 🏀🔥
Keeping their hopes for a golden finish alive, the UE boys’ basketball team has successfully forced a decisive UAAP Finals Game 3 against the UST Tiger Cubs, 76-70, today, December 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was in the fourth quarter where the Junior Warriors made their move with back-to-back layups from Jolo Pascual and Gab delos Reyes, giving UE the advantage, 70-68.
Leading the team to a nerve-wracking win, Mav Mesina’s four crucial points courtesy of free throws firmed the Red-and-White juniors ahead with six points.
The Player of the Game Delos Reyes confidently reflected on his performance in Game 1, using it as fuel to lead his team to victory.
“Mas naging hungry ako, kasi natalo kami, kaya ginawa ko lang yung best ko, at tinama ko yung mga mali ko,” he said.
After setting a career-high with 23 points, Mesina shared their game plan for securing the long-awaited championship crown in Recto.
“We’re just gonna prepare for UST again and work as a team, ‘yon pa rin and try to bring home the championship na matagal na nating gusto,” Mesina expressed.
Delos Reyes contributed 13 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks, while Neil Garcia added 13 markers, and Enrico Bungar with nine.
Blazing with a 15-2 win-loss record during their extensive run, the next duel between Recto and España has yet to be scheduled by the UAAP.
Quarter Scores: 21-19, 40-36, 56-53, 76-70
✍️ Richgen Regina S. Rodriguez
📷 Nico S. Corong/UE Dawn