Red Warriors win second straight, upset Bulldogs

(UE guard Jason Varilla attempting a layup. Photo by Marlo Cueto/ spin.ph)

University of the East (UE) Red Warriors overthrew the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 90-77, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Recto-based squad used a strong fourth quarter to secure the victory, outscoring the Bulldogs, 28-18.

UE main gunner Alvin Pasaol poured nine of his 11 points in the first half to build a nine point lead at halftime, 45-36.

Red Warriors stalwarts Mark Olayon, Will Bartolome, and Mark Maloles did most of the damage in the second half to give their team its first back-to-back win this season.

UE dominated the paint, scoring 60 points against NU’s 42.

Mark Olayon led UE with 17 points, six boards, and eight assists, while Will Bartolome added 14 markers on 70% shooting.

Nick Abanto and Alvin Pasaol contributed double-doubles of 13-11 and 11-10, respectively.

Jayjay Alejandro paced the Bulldogs, falling two rebounds short of a triple double with 16 points and 10 dimes.

UE improved to a 2-6 record, while NU dropped four of their last five games to fall to 3-5.

The UE Red Warriors will next face the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, October 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena, while the NU Bulldogs will next battle the immaculate Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles on the same date and venue. D. DIONEO