UAAP: James Payosing powers UP past UE, averts late scare

James Payosing led the University of the Philippines (UP) past the University of the East (UE), 91-81, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Payosing tallied 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and a block to power the Fighting Maroons to their third straight win and close out the first round with a 5-2 record.

UP held an 84-75 lead in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter before Toper Lagat sparked a late UE rally, cutting the deficit to five, 86-81, with back-to-back three-pointers sandwiched around a Payosing basket.

However, Payosing split his free throws to put UP ahead, 87-81, with 1:10 remaining before Dikachi Udodo scored a basket with 39 seconds left.

In the dying seconds, Dexter Santos was assessed a flagrant foul penalty 2 for an apparent punch to Udodo. The UP big man then sank both free throws to seal the Fighting Maroons’ victory.

Aside from Payosing, Chicco Briones contributed 13 points, including three three-pointers, along with a rebound and a block. Gani Stevens added 12 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, and an assist.

Lagat paced UE with 26 points, five assists, and two rebounds, while Mo Tanedo chipped in 14 points as the Red Warriors remained winless after seven games.

—JKC, GMA News