MANILA, Philippines — University of the East (UE) returned to its winning ways after clobbering National University (NU), 74-58, in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Red Warriors pulled away from the Bulldogs in the third frame with a 25-11 assault, turning a 28-24 halftime lead into a 18-point, 53-35 advantage entering the final canto.

UE, which last saw action in a 68-77 loss to defending champ De La Salle on October 12, never let up in the fourth frame and seized its biggest lead of 23 points, 69-46, following a Wello Lingolingo layup in the last 4:22.

The Red Warriors improved to 6-3, winning six of their last seven games after an 0-2 start and solidifying their hold of the third spot in the standings.

While UE' Final Four chances continues to increase, NU's continue to get murkier as it fell to its third straight loss for the league worst 2-8 slate.