Desiderio sets career-high, UP pulls away in 2nd half to beat UE

University of the Philippines guard Paul Desiderio scores two of his career-high 28 points against University of the East in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of the Philippines trumped University of the East, 84-71, to record its second win in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons, after their humiliating 92-71 loss to Ateneo, bounced back to improve to 2-1 while the Red Warriors have yet to get to the winners’ circle slipping to 0-3.

Paul Desiderio finished with a career-high 28 points to go along 10 rebounds for UP in what was also his best game efficiency wise of the season after struggling mightily in the first two where he shot a combined 10-of-38 from the field for a total of 26 points.

“It’s a big thing when Paul’s not getting his regular game and what a time for him to get his game back,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol in Filipino.

“It was an all important game for us because we will be up against tough teams in the next few weeks so we need to get as many wins as we can.”

The graduating guard led UP’s blistering third quarter where he fired 16 points, outscoring the entire UE team, which tallied only seven points in the pivotal period.

Ibrahim Ouattara owned the paint for UP as he put up 14 points and grabbed 18 boards, seven off the offensive glass, while Jun Manzo added 10 points. 

Clark Derige led UE with 21 pints and nine rebounds.