NU fails to find redemption as Sumang explodes with 19 points
UE guard Roi Sumang celebrates his game-winning four point play with the alumni seated at courtside in their game against National University. (FCF / Vyn Radovan)
Fearless.
If there’s a word that perfectly describes UE’s Roi Sumang, Fearless would be it. Apart from his skills, this Red Warrior’s mental toughness, courage, and most importantly, heart, is what makes him one of the best, if not the best, point guard in the league.
With barely any time left and the game tied at 67-all, Sumang unleashed a seemingly impossible trifecta in the hopes of getting his team on top.
Impossible doesn’t seem to be part of Sumang’s vocabulary.
Roars coming from the sea of red that engulfed the majority of the Araneta Colliseum on Saturday was soon heard as Sumang, against all odds, was able to drain his trifecta and was even given a free throw which he easily converted to put University of the East ahead of the National University, 71-67, relinquishing any chance of a comeback from the Bulldogs.
“Siguro dahil laki ako sa Tondo”, said a proud Sumang he was asked why he wasn’t daunted to take the winning shot. He further expounded that his experiences playing at his hometown toughened him not only as a basketball player, but also as an individual.
“Ang hirap kasi nung loss namin against FEU eh. We were humbled, we were devastated, and we were humiliated because we brought an excess baggage when we won in the FilOil [tournament]”, said Coach Boyzie Zamar in a post-match interview.
“Ayaw ko nang matalo, sawang sawa na ako eh. Last year ganun parin. Pero ngayon ipapakita namin na sana manalo pa kami”, added Sumang.
Apart from him, Charles Mammie had a wonderful game, registering a doube double with 15 points along with 20 monstrous rebounds. Gino Jumao-as also added 11 points with a steal to complete the Red Warriors’ double digit scorers list.
“Charles Mammie is Charles Mammie. Sa mga Filipinos kasi you’re dealing with 16 types of egos, and Charles Mammie has a lot of egos. I’m dealing with him daily per game basis, per half basis, per quarter basis, per minute basis. Kung sana lang mas marami pa akong mabigay na pasensya [sa kanya]”, said Coach Boyzie Samar.
Emmanuel Mbe led the Bulldogs in terms of scoring with 18 points with 11 rebounds while reigning league MVP Bobby Ray Parks was only able to score 11 points with 7 rebounds and three dimes.
The Recto-based squad was trailing for almost the entire game before UE took the lead from the Bulldogs with only 1:38 left on the clock thanks to baskets from Charles Mammie and Adrian Santos at 55-52
It was a tug of war from then on as both squads continuously traded shots and exchanged leads until Roi Sumang scored his game-winning trifecta with only 3.7 seconds left on the clock.
BOX SCORES
UE (71): Sumang 19, Mammie 15, Jumao-as 11, Olivarez 9, Santos 6, Javier 4, Noble 3, Sumido 2, Casajeros 2, Hernandez 0, Guion 0, Galanza 0, Flores 0
NATIONAL (67): Mbe 18, Parks 11, Khobuntin 8, Javillonar 8, Alejandro 8, Alolino 7, Rosario 4, Villamor 3, Rono 0, Neypes 0, De Guzman 0
QUARTERS: 12-18, 32-31, 55-52, 71-67
