Borboran steps up for hot Warriors
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:38am (Mla time) 08/15/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The University of the East Warriors have proven to be a potent yet puzzling crew for opposing teams.

Even with no dominant leader, the Warriors have remained unbeaten in eight games in the UAAP men’s basketball competition.

“We don’t have a go-to guy, I think that’s one advantage,” said UE coach Dindo Pumaren. “In our eight games, we had different top scorers. Even in close games, different players stepped up for us during clutch situations.”

And Pumaren hopes the Warriors’ offensive identity will remain that way.

In previous matches, among the Warriors who have shone include Mark Borboran, Kelvin Gregorio, Marcy Arellano, Elmer Espiritu, Jorel Cañizares, Hans Thiele, James Martinez, Mark Fampulme, Narciso Llagas and rookie standout Paul Lee.

“I’m very confident with my players right now,” said Pumaren. “We really just have to sustain this kind of game.”

Last Sunday, Borboran sparked the Warriors’ second-half turnaround for a 73-68 triumph over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

The 6-foot-4 Borboran, named UAAP Press Corps’ Anta Player of the Week, fired eight points in the first six minutes of the fourth period to turn a 55-59 UE deficit into a 69-64 advantage.

With the victory, the Warriors moved within a win of matching their 9-0 start in 1986.

“I keep reminding the players that we should keep our distance,” said Pumaren, noting that the Warriors have moved three wins ahead of their closest pursuers.

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University remained tied for second with 5-3 slates.

The Warriors, though, are bracing themselves for tougher games ahead after posting an average winning margin of 18.3 points in their 7-0 sweep of the first round.