Bronze for UE Red Warriors in Jixi cagefest

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors defeated Liaoning University of Engineering and Technology 104-66 to win the bronze medal in the 37th Promotion Cup international invitational basketball tournament in Jixi, Heilongjiang Province, China.

Forward Nurjadden Datumalim led the scoring for UE with 16 points. He was supported by Cole Cruz-Dumont (13 points), Nico Mulingtapang (11 points), and Drayton Caoile, Dylan Benedict Despi, and Kristoper Lagat (10 points each).

The Red Warriors dominated the game throughout, leading 30-18 after the first quarter, 54-36 at halftime, and 85-39 after the third quarter before securing the 104-66 final victory in front of an appreciative Chinese crowd.

This 38-point win capped UE's campaign in the eight-team, four-nation tournament held in Jixi. Malaysia won the championship by defeating Khabarovsk State University of Physical Education-Russia.

Under coach Chris Gavina and team manager Jean Alabanza, the Red Warriors finished the tournament with a 3-2 record. They defeated all three Chinese opponents: Jilin Northeast Tigers (104-77), Heilongjiang Youth Team (97-64), and Liaoning (104-66). Their losses came against Khabarovsk State University (84-93) in the elimination round and the Malaysia National Team (82-90) in the crossover semifinals.

Coach Gavina expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating the experience was about growth, unity, and representing the Philippines with pride. He emphasized the valuable lessons learned, including players adapting to roles quickly, and the confidence gained from competing well against Russia and Malaysia. He believes this provides momentum heading into the UAAP season and thanked God, the UE community, President Dr. Zosimo Battad, alumni, and Tanduay Athletics.

Team manager Jean Alabanza also expressed gratitude to Armstrong Philippines and the Jixi organizing committee, describing the event as a "world-class experience" that was well-organized, allowing the team to focus on representing UE.

Assistant coach Paolo Hubalde highlighted the importance of these games in identifying areas for adjustment and improvement as the team prepares for the UAAP tournament.