Jett Manuel and Paul Desiderio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines is winless no more as it dispatched University of the East, 75-71, for its first victory in the UAAP Season 79 Seniors’ Basketball Tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons toiled for three straight losses to begin the season before they blasted the Red Warriors, who dropped to 0-4, for a 1-3 record.
READ: Jett Manuel admits Maroons still struggling to change culture
Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol said their first win dispelled their fears of going 0-14 this season and gave them the confidence that they can compete in the league.
“Malaking morale-booster ito, mangiyak ngiyak na nga sila Jett [Manuel] at Paul [Desiderio],” said Perasol who took over the team for this season. “Yung hump na nasalikod ng utak namin na ‘mag 0-14 ba kami?’, nawala na.”
“Iniisip na lang namin yung susunod na laro and we truly believe we can compete with them.”
READ: Perasol rues UP’s inability to close out games amid 0-3 start
With a 69-69 tie at the final minutes of the game, Manuel found himself open from the free throw line to pull up for the 71-69 lead.
Bonbon Batiller had the chance to give UE the lead but his three-pointer missed as the Red Warriors turned the ball over after the scramble for the rebound with 30.7 seconds left.
Desiderio finished with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Fighting Maroons while Manuel also finished with 17 points.
Dave Moralde added 13 points and five boards for UP.
Mark Olayon had a team-high 15 points to lead the Red Warriors.
The Scores
UP 75 – Manuel 17, Desiderio 17, Moralde 13, Gomez de Liano 7, Dario 7, Lim 5, Harris 4, Prado 2, Lao 2, Romero 0, Asilum 0, Webb 0, Longa 0
UE 71 – Olayon 15, Batiller 14, Abanto 11, Derige 9, Palma 9, Manalang 7, Charcos 4, Pasaol 2, Varilla 0, Bartolome 0, Gagate 0, Acuno 0, Penuela 0, De Leon 0, Larupay 0
Quarters: 16-19, 34-37, 57-58, 75-71