Despite extending their losing streak to 28 after a 97-88 loss to the La Salle Green Archers on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the UE Red Warriors still pushed the Taft-based side to extra time and to the brink thanks to Toper Lagat, Mo Tanedo, and Cole Cruz-Dumont. The loss sent UE further to the cellar with an 0-8 record, while La Salle improved to 4-4 in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Holding a 72-66 cushion in the fourth period, the Red Warriors used an 8-2 run capped by a Lagat layup to force the extra period, but a 17-6 surge from the reigning champions ultimately sealed the victory.
Not surprisingly, the duo of Lagat and Tanedo spearheaded the Recto-based squad with 20 and 16 points, respectively. But the Red Warriors also unveiled another offensive weapon in Cruz-Dumont, who chipped in 13 points and 4 rebounds in the loss.
After the game, Cruz-Dumont emphasized the importance of consistency in UE’s recent surge, as the team has trimmed its average losing margin from 21.2 to 8.7 in its last three outings.
“We never quit. I think we came together as a team, and that was really important. We just have to keep staying consistent, and I think that’s gonna be the key to getting our first win, consistency,” Cruz-Dumont told Rebanse.
Cruz-Dumont Stays Ready to Hit Open Shots
Cruz-Dumont also underscored how opposing teams will prioritize limiting league scoring leader Lagat’s production and remains committed to making defenses pay for leaving him open.
“Just do what I can. I know they’re gonna be keying on [Tope] Lagat since he’s the top scorer in our league. I know I’m gonna have open shots, and I just gotta hit them. Just the mentality of whenever I get the ball, if I can score, go score,” Cruz-Dumont said.
As the second round continues to progress, the 6-foot-4 wing remains confident in the team’s ability to continue building chemistry and believes that its first win in two years is bound to materialize soon.
“Just continuing to stick together. We’re a tight group. As you see, every game it’s been closer and closer. So I think just us playing as a team is gonna get us our first win,” he added.
Cruz-Dumont and UE will look to get their first win on Sunday, October 25, at the Blue Eagle Gym when they face the UP Fighting Maroons.
