UAAP: NU vs UE round one preview and live-scoring

Game starts at 4pm. Page auto-refreshes every 30 seconds.



In a rematch of the 2013 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Championship game, the National University Bulldogs will try to earn a measure of revenge against the team that dethroned them, the University of the East Red Warriors, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NU comes into this game with momentum, having opened their season with a 64-54 victory over the defending champions ADMU Blue Eagles. However, what should have been a lopsided triumph after leading by as much as 24 points suddenly seemed in doubt as the Eagles closed to within 10 points with 2:01 to go. Only a clutch three-pointer by Bobby Ray Parks with 1:45 remaining sealed their win, despite Ateneo playing with marquee star Kiefer Ravena in the second half.

While splendid play from Parks is a given, the team will need to lean on center Emmanuel Mbe a bit more, after team management opted to sit down his back-up, Alfred Aroga, until his eligibility documentation has been completed. Mbe put up 14 points and 15 rebounds in 32 minutes, but he didn't attempt a single free throw and turned the ball over four times. UE center Charles Mammie will likely be out to win their match-up, and thus Mbe will need to step up his game.

After a brilliant offseason, UE fell back to earth, after second-half adjustments by FEU turned the game on its head. The Red Warriors entered the break up 37-32, but they suddenly could not stop the Tams afterwards, as their foes unloaded 29 and 28 points respectively in the latter two quarters, en route to an 89-78 triumph.

UE attempted to keep up, but several things held them back. First, their three-point shooting, as they struggled to break FEU's zone, thanks to a 6-of-26 three-point clip. UE also struggled in transition, giving up a 17-7 advantage in fast break points, and a 24-10 drubbing in points off turnovers. Head coach Boysie Zamar will need to get his boys to sprint back on defense, lest they face a thundering Parks flying down the other way.

Game starts at 4pm.


Season 75 history lesson:

• Round one - Bulldogs draw first blood, crush Warriors, 90-55
• Round two - Mbe-less Bulldogs trump Red Warriors, 83-74