Mammie returns to spark UE over Ateneo

By Josiah Albelda Posted Jul 18th 2013

The Mammie returns.

Charles Mammie punished opposing big men to lead University of the East to a stirring 72-68 win over Ateneo de Manila University in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The hulking center pounded his way to career bests of 20 points and 23 rebounds while also delivering in the clutch as the Red Warriors upended the five-time champions and snapped a two-game skid.

The win, though, did not come easily for the Recto-based five, who had to endure a three-point barrage by Ateneo in the third quarter to score their second win in five games.

"We have to learn from the champions," admitted UE coach Boycie Zamar after the game. "They cannot be 5-time champions for nothing."

The Warriors built a double-digit lead early in the third quarter, only to see the Blue Eagles come charging back behind the efforts of Juami Tiongson, who made all four of his three-point attempts in the period.

"When Ateneo made a run, their (Warriors) egos were deflated," Zamar said. "They woke up at the right time."

A long jumper by Frank Golla pushed the Eagles ahead for the last time with 1:22 remaining before JM Noble attacked the lane to give UE the driver's seat for good with 1:14 left.

After Tiongson was called for an offensive foul after warding off Adi Santos, Warrior Roi Sumang scored off a difficult layup to but them up, 70-67, with 47.1 seconds on the clock.

Kiefer Ravena split his charities in the ensuing play before Mammie made both of his free-throws with 17.2 seconds remaining to seal the win for UE, 72-68.

Sumang finished with 14 points, four boards and three assists for the Warriors, who also got a huge lift from Dan Alberto's 14 markers.

On the other hand, Tiongson fired five triples and ended up with 17 markers even as Von Pessumal, Ravena and Chris Newsome added a combined 33 points.

The scores:

UE (72) - Mammie 20, Sumang 14, Alberto 14, Casajeros 8, Noble 7, Olivares 5, Santos 2, Javier 2, Olayon 0, Sumido 0, Jumao-as 0, Hernandez 0, Guion 0

ADMU (68) - Tiongson 17, Pessumal 12, Ravena 11, Newsome 10, Elorde 5, Golla 4, Buenafe 4, Erram 3, Asuncion 2, Tolentino 0, Lim 0, Capacio 0, Enriquez 0

Quarters: 18-12, 37-31, 54-54, 72-68