By Jun Ray Navarres
University of the East tainted De La Salle University’s record with a 75-71 upset at the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Archers saw their record drop to 3-1 after the Recto-based squad managed to fend off DLSU’s fourth quarter comeback attempt.
“I will give credit sa boys ko because during our practice, I saw the intensity already and I just told them we just need to have a good start and as much as possible we keep the game close, and the boys responded very well,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago.
After a 28-11 opening salvo, UE only had a slim 56-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter to which Vhoris Marasigan immediately cut into single possession with an and-one play, 53-56.
The Red Warriors recovered to extend the lead in a comfortable 71-59 cushion after Precious Momowei’s breakaway slam, 2:59 remaining.
Green Archer’s trio of JC Macalalag, Mike Phillips, and Kevin Quiambao launched a 12-2 run to close within two, 71-73 with 28.4 left in the game.
DLSU trapped Ethan Galang on the next play to force a bad pass to Gerard Wilson which resulted in a jump ball against Earl Abadam. Luck seemed to be siding the guys in white as the possession arrow pointed in their favor.
With UE in the penalty, Ethan Galang questionably intentionally fouled Quiambao, putting him on the line with 15.8 seconds left.
However, the decision proved worthy as KQ missed both of his free throws.
John Abate sealed the game for UE with two free throws. He finished with an impressive 20 points in 6-of-7 shooting from the field alongside five rebounds.
Also, Wello Lingolingo made six shots beyond the arc including three during the first quarter to build the early advantage.
“Going back sa previous games namin against UST at UP, we came up very flat sa first quarter and sabi ko sa team we cannot afford to have a flat start with La Salle. I’m so happy with the boys kasi talagang gusto nila manalo,” said Santiago.
Wilson added 10 points, while Galang contributed seven points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Quiambao on the other hand tallied 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists but struggled to find his mark, going 6-of-17 from the field and making just one of his eight three-point attempts.
Phillips finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks while Marasigan contributed 10 baskets.
UE hopes to continue momentum against National University on Saturday still at MOA Arena while DLSU looks to recover against Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
Follow the writer on X: @burnsports
