MAROONS BEAT WARRIORS BEHIND DESIDERIO’S CAREER HIGH
By Maxine Louise Lagman
17 September 2017
After struggling in the first half of the match, Paul Desiderio found his rhythm back to lead the Fighting Maroons win over the University of the East, 84-71 on Sunday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Starting with a 10-of-38 record from the field in the first two quarters, Desiderio made a comeback in the second half and finished with a career-high double-double record of 28 points and 10 rebounds.
Desiderio powered UP after a 16-7 run in the third quarter, all on his own.
“Malaking bagay talaga kapag nawawala siya (Desiderio) sa amin, if he is not getting his regular game,” remarked Coach Bo Perasol.
UP bounced back from their disappointing 92-71 loss to Ateneo, as they continued to improve to a 2-1 card.
“I was worried about was that we were poor in the third quarter of the last two games. I just have to give credit to my guys, despite the fact that we were behind,” added Perasol.
The Fighting Maroons led by as much as 23 points, 77-54, with Desiderio once again making the last bucket to limit the Warriors.
Ibrahim Outtara added another double, with 14 points and 18 rebounds, while Jun Manzo finished with 10 points.
Meanwhile, Clark Derige paced the Red Warriors after finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Mark Maloles added 16 points as UE dropped to a winless 0-3 record.
The Scores:
UP 84 – Desiderio 28, Outtara 14, Manzo 10, Gomez de Liano Ja 9, Gomez de Liano Ju 7, Prado 7, Lim 4, Lao 3, Webb 2, Dario 0.
