The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
Jixi, Heilongjiang Province — University of the East-Philippines made the country proud by bagging the bronze medal in the 37th Promotion Cup international invitational basketball tournament.
Handled by coach Chris Gavina and team manager Jean Alabanza, the Red Warriors clobbered Liaoning University of Engineering Technology, 104-66, before another big crowd at the Jixi Convention and Exhibition Center here Saturday.
Nurjadden Datumalim, Cole Cruz-Dumont, Nico Mulingtapang, Drayton Caoile and Dylan Benedict Despi provided the firepower for the Red Warriors, whose campaign here is supported by Armstrong Philippines and Tanduay Athletics.
Datumalim topscored for the Red Warriors with 16 points in UE’s third win in the week-long competition held in this popular coal-mining city located in the southeastern Heilongjiang Province.
Cruz-Dumont finished with 13 points, Mulingtapang added 11 points and Caoil, Despi and Kristoper Lagat contributed 10 points each for the Recto, Manila-based Red Warriors, who led, 30-18, in the first quarter; 54-36, at halftime; and 85-39, in the third quarter.
The resounding 38-point victory capped a successful campaign for the Red Warriors, who are deep in preparations for the coming UAAP Season 88 starting next month
Malaysia brought down Khabarovsk State University of Physical Education-Russia to capture the championship.
Overall, the Red Warriors finished with a 3-2 win-loss record.
The Filipinos defeated all their three Chinese opponents — Jilin Northeast Tigers, 104-77, host team Heilongjiang Youth Team, 97-64, and Liaoning, 104-66 — but lost to the Khabarovsk State University of Physical Education-Russia, 84-93, in the elimination round and Malaysia National Team, 82-90, in the crossover semis.
Gavina, who was appointed as UE head coach only last February with the herculean task of leading the Red Warriors back to the UAAP throne after 40 long years, was visibly satisfied with the team’s performance.
“This experience was more than basketball — it was about growth, unity, and representing our country with pride. Our third- place finish gives us momentum and confidence heading into the UAAP,” said Gavina, who is best remembered for coaching the Kia Picanto in the PBA and Taichung Suns in the Taiwan T1 League.
“Although we finished only third, the lessons we learned here are definitely valuable as we play in the UAAP. Some of the lessons here are the players learning roles and adopting quickly for the team. The fact that we were able to hold our own against Russia and the Malaysian national team shows true UE pride. I’m extremely proud that we represented the country like real warriors ”added the 46-year-old Gavina.
“Of course, I would like to thank God. I would like to thank the UE community and our president Dr. Zosimo Battad. Thank you also to our alumni, sir Dave Gomez, sir Andy Fernandez, sir Wilson Young and sir Jean Alabanza and the Tanduay Athletics for allowing us to take part in such a tremendous event here.”
Alabanza also expressed his gratitude to Armstrong Philippines and the organizing committee in Jixi.
“Overall, it was a world-class experience for our players and staff. It was well organized from the minute we landed. Armstrong Philippines made sure everything was seamless— allowing us to focus on representing UE with pride. They’re such a great company. And of course, thanks to Tanduay Athletics for always helping the UE Red Warriors.”
UE assistant coach Paolo Hubalde emphasized the importance of these games in identifying areas for adjustment and improvement as the team prepares for the UAAP tournament.
“We learned a lot. We still have time to grow– and we’re grateful for the opportunity. Facing elite squads like Malaysia’s national team and Russia’s Habas, the Red Warriors gained valuable experience and insight,” said Hubalde, son of PBA legend Freddie Hubalde
The Red Warriors are scheduled to arrive in the country on Monday.