Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the East ended its UAAP Season 78 campaign on a positive note after beating University of the Philippines, 79-67, in the men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Clark Derige capped off his stellar second round play with another double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Red Warriors, who ultimately missed the Final Four after putting up a tough fight and wrapped up their season in sixth place with a 6-8 record.
UE captain Chris Javier had 13 points and six rebounds in his final UAAP game.
“We were right on schedule but we fell one game short for at least landing a tie for the Final Four,” said UE head coach Derrick Pumaren.
“I feel sad but happy because we won in my last game,” said Javier. “We fought until the end.”
The Red Warriors broke loose from a 26-deadlock late in the second quarter and never looked back.
A jumper by Chris Javier gave his team a 48-33 lead near the midway mark of the third period before a Von Batiller 3-pointer followed by a basket by Emil Palma put the game beyond reach, 70-52, with 5:11 remaining.
Paul Desiderio tied his career-high 26 points and had six rebounds for the Fighting Maroons, who lost 11 of their last 12 games to end their campaign after a 2-0 start.