NGBL: UE turns back Mapua in OT to secure playoff spot

UE's Kristofer Lagat in action in the Next Generation Basketball League against Mapua, September 29, 2024 at the Tanduay Gym in Manila. Handout/NGBLMANILA -- University of the East avoided any complications in the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) with a hard-earned win against Mapua University on Sunday at the Tanduay Gym in Manila.

The Junior Warriors pulled off a 79-72 overtime win to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals behind the heroics of World Balance Player of the Game Kristofer Lagat.

Lagat scored all nine of his points in the extra period while adding two rebounds and a steal to his statline.

"Nakinig lang po ako sa sinabi ni coach Karl [Santos] na dapat mag stick pa rin po kami sa sistema," said Lagat of his performance. "Dapat hindi po kami muna tatalon mula sa sistema dahil mawawala po kami sa flow, and hindi po kami makakapag-execute well ng mga kailangan naming gawin."

Lagat completed a four-point play with 4:37 left in OT to put the Junior Warriors ahead, 70-66, then drilled another triple with under three minutes to go to pad their lead to seven points. 

A Lance Sabroso bucket made it a nine point game, 75-66, before Allan Laurenaria gave Mapua some life. However, Lagat coolly knocked down two free throws to restore order and send the Junior Warriors on their way to victory. 

UE locked up the No. 3 seed in Group A while Mapua secured the fourth seed. The result also ousted La Salle Greenhills, Jose Rizal University, and Ateneo de Manila University from playoff contention.

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Despite the result, LSGH still concluded its stint on a winning note after crushing the Light Bombers, 74-54. WB Player of the Game Guillian Quines was once again the star for LSGH as he scattered 20 points, three rebounds, and two steals.

Meanwhile, in the final game of the last eliminations day, National University-Nazareth School flexed its might on Ateneo de Manila University, 86-57.

The Greenies wrapped up their stint at 3-4, while Ateneo bowed out with a 2-5 slate.

THE SCORES: 

First Game:

UE 79 — Alejandro 16, Bana 13, Lagat 9, Sabroso 9, Almanza 7, Timbol 7, Aguas 7, Lorenzo 5, Diaz 4, Bual 2, Chua 0, Roquid 0, Braga 0, Farochilen 0, Dahino 0.

Mapua 72 — Rodriguez 13, Salvador 12, Duque 12, Miranda 8, Reyes 8, Del Poso 7, Bagro 3, Laurenaria 7, Loriaga 2, Coronel 0, Banal 0, Tolentino 0, Gragasin 0, Laylo 0.

Quarterscores: 16-14, 34-32, 48-48, 66-66, 78-72

Second Game:

LSGH 74 — Quines 20, Ison 16, Gomez 13, Sharma 10, Osis 8, Ortega 3, Abad 2, Yutuc 2, Bautista 0, Calanasan 0, Hachuela 0, Peralta 0, Tud 0, Natividad 0, Jugo 0.

JRU 54 — Lacusong 10, Pinzon 9, Almario 6, Correa 6, Taparan 4, Aballe 4, Vocalan 3, Marin 2, Castillo 2, Ong 2, Ferrer 2, To 2, Abequibel 2, Satparam 0, Tandang 0, Callueng 0.

Quarterscores: 14-18, 42-36, 60-44, 74-54.

Third Game:

NU-NS 86 — Nepacena 18, Alfanta 13, Cartel 9, Natinga 9, Akowe 7, Palanca 7, Solomon 5, Acosta 4, Napa 4, Pillado 3, Locsin 2, Timbang 2, Figueroa 2, Casala 1.

ADMU 57 — Gatmaitan 13, Urbina 8, Asistio 7, Kaw 6, Silvestre 6, Tan 5, Yamasa 5, Reyes 3, Trinidad 2, Aquino 2, Delos Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 31-23, 44-34, 67-44, 86-57.