University of the Philippines prized recruit Noy Remogat against his former school University of the East in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of the Philippines is finally in the win column of UAAP Season 88.
The defending champion Fighting Maroons halted a two-game skid after they dominated University of the East, 92-75, during their Sunday men's basketball clash at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
State U improved to 1-2 after this contest, while the Red Warriors remained winless in three outings.
"Ang panalo will always be a positive, especially if it is your first win," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. "But for me, more than the win, it's how he played today, it's understanding how we need each other."
Noy Remogat led the Maroons with 21 points on 6/13 shooting from three-point range, and this was on top of 11 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Gani Stevens posted 14 markers and 10 boards, all in the second half.
"Naniniwala kasi kami na playing as a champion ay nagsisimula sa practice eh, so sa practice pa lang, inayos na namin yung mga dapat ayusin," said Remogat on what helped him overcome his struggles.
"Nag pray ako, and nag extra talaga ako before and after practice talaga. Nagbunga lang yun and lumabas kung ano yung mga pinaghirapan ko," he added.
Aside from the duo, Francis Nnoruka was solid with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, Gerry Abadiano contributed 11 markers, while Migs Palanca and Jacob Payla scored eight and seven, respectively.
Despite trailing early 9-17, UP refused to see another meltdown as they charged a 12-to-three run to overtake the Recto-based squad, 21-20, with a minute and 30 seconds left in the first frame.
Remogat, a former UE Red Warrior, then went on to drain back-to-back triples to increase their lead to six, 27-21, to end the opening canto, and this momentum eventually extended into the rest of the game as they dominated their counterparts by as much as 28 late in the contest.
Remogat's performance resulted in his ex-teammates Precious Momowei's 18 points with 10 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, and Wello Lingolingo's 18 markers, six boards, two steals, and one assist being spoiled.
In addition, John Abate also finished in double digits with 15 points on top of six assists and three rebounds, and Jhon Jimenez finished with 10, but these did not help as the Red Warriors' losing streak which dates back to Round 2 of Season 87 has now extended to nine.
The Scores:
UP 92 -- Remogat 21, Stevens 14, Nnoruka 14, Abadiano 10, Palanca 8, Bayla 7, Belmonte 6, Felicilda 3, Alarcon 2, Torres 2, Andres 2, Briones 2, Fortea 0, Yniguez 0, Alter 0, Coronel 0.
UE 75 -- Momowei 18, Lingolingo 18, Abate 15, Jimenez 10, Datumalim 5, Mulingtapang 3, Caoile 2, Tanedo 2, Robles 2, Cruz-Dumont 0, Lagat 0, Malaga 0.
Quarterscores: 27-20, 53-36, 74-54, 92-75.