MANILA – Rey Remogat turned his reunion with the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors into a personal showcase, firing a double-double to power the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to a commanding 92-75 victory in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The General Trias, Cavite native erupted for 21 points, including six booming three-pointers, while dishing out 10 assists, grabbing six rebounds, and swiping two steals to help the reigning champions snap a two-game skid.
Trailing 9-17 early, Remogat ignited UP’s rally with a four-point play followed by back-to-back triples, giving the Maroons a 27-20 edge at the end of the opening period. He stayed hot in the second frame, pouring in eight more points as UP widened the gap to 53-36 at the half, ballooning to as much as 28 points in the second half.
Francis Nnoruka and Isagani Stevens chipped in identical double-doubles of 14 points and 10 rebounds apiece, while Gerry Abadiano added 11 markers for the Maroons, who finally barged into the win column with a 1-2 record.
On the other end, Precious Momowei and Wello Lingolingo tried to keep UE afloat with 18 points each, while John Abate and Jhon Jimenez scored 15 and 10, respectively. But the Red Warriors still fell to 0-3.
Meanwhile, in the day’s other match, Jadem Lazo sparked Ateneo de Manila University’s late-game surge as the Blue Eagles dominated Adamson University Falcons, 77-58, to preserve their unbeaten slate.
Holding a slim 51-48 lead entering the fourth, Lazo erupted for 13 of his 15 points in the payoff period, including a back-to-back triple barrage that capped a decisive 20-4 run.
Divine Adili paced Ateneo with 16 points, while Kymani Ladi and Ian Espinosa tallied 14 and 10, respectively, as the Blue Eagles rose to 3-0. Adamson slid to 1-2 despite a career night from Matthew Erolon, who drilled seven treys en route to 23 points./PN
