Red Warriors captured Pinoyliga Cup crown in win over Titans

The University of the East Red Warriors banked on Calvin Payawal and Harvey Pagsanjan as they defeated the Enderun Titans, 81-74 to capture the Pinoyliga Cup Collegiate Division title at the SGS Stadium, Friday afternoon.

Payawal finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals while Pagsanjan contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the champion team.

It was a tight battle from the start as both teams tried to take advantage of each other thru a series of plays and defensive schemes. But UE converted 71.4% of their shots to lead at the end of the first quarter, 24-19.

Enderun had a better second quarter after making 4 threes and sinking 50% of their field goals in the quarter. TJ Abdalah had 8 points in the quarter for the Titans but UE still held the lead at halftime, 41-38.

The back-and-forth battle between the two teams continued in the third quarter. Hans Delos Reyes scored 7 points for the Titans in the period but Luis Salgado had 8 of his own to help UE still hold the lead entering the final period, 63-57.

Then Payawal and Pagsanjan took over for UE in the final period. The duo combined 13 points to keep the Titans at bay and claim the first ever Pinoyliga Cup Collegiate Division championship.

Payawal was named Finals MVP.

UE 81 - Pagsanjan 13, Salgado 12, Payawal 10, Remogat 10, Sawat 8, N. Paranada 7, Stevens 6, K. Paranada 4, Alcantara 4, Guevarra 3, Tulabut 2, Abatayo 2,
Enderun 74 - Fransman 18, Abdalah 18, Delos Reyes 12, Gastador 6, Guissani 6, Mahilum 5, Libago 4, Jimenez 3, Castro 2, Devara 0, Sacundo 0.