UAAP: UE Red Warriors surge buoyed by ‘supportive community’

UE supporters cheer during the Red Warriors’ win over the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

MANILA, Philippines — Inspired by its growing crowd support, University of the East looks to continue its winning ways in hopes of ending a 15-year UAAP Final Four drought.

For the first time in a decade, UE has won three consecutive games after overcoming gritty National University, 57-51, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday evening.

Guard John Abate owed a big part of the Red Warriors’ success this season to its supporters.

READ: UAAP: Family fueling Lingolingo’s inspired play for resurgent UE

The Red Warriors on UE community’s support. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qpeUWEqy1x

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 28, 2024

“I appreciate the love. There are times when people are not really that supportive. Empty bleachers. It really means a lot to my heart that we have a supportive community,” said Abate, who led the way with 15 points and six rebounds.

After a 0-2 start, UE has emerged as a dark horse contender with gutsy victories including a win over defending champion La Salle. The Red Warriors’ three-game winning streak is their first since Season 77 in 2014 when Roi Sumang and Charles Mammie were leading the team.

UE coach Jack Santiago believes the support from the students and alumni will continue to inspire the Red Warriors in their mission to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2009 when the Paul Lee-led squad reached the Season 72 finals.

READ: UAAP: UE wins third straight after beating NU in men’s basketball

John Abate leads UE Red Warriors to another win, this time against NU Bulldogs, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“For sure, it will bring a lot of help sa team. Two days ago, talagang I was surprised because I was asking for extra tickets but sold out na lahat. Alam namin na it’s Saturday, it’s supposed to be a family day. But nandito sila to spend time with us. Thank you for the support,” said Santiago.

Santiago is thrilled to see his rebuilding squad, which lost star Rey Remogat who transferred to UP, finally showing a winning attitude over the past few games despite the tough challenges.

“I consider my boys still young. I’m so happy that the boys are starting to have that character yung winning character yung fear ko talaga coming off a big win against the No.1 team,” said Santiago. “Kinakabahan talaga ako sa next game namin na baka maging complacent yung mga bata sabi ko nga coming into this game I would say we had a bad practice I’m happy lang na down the stretch we stepped up and we played as a team.”

With a 3-2 record in solo fourth place, Santiago stressed that they haven’t achieved anything yet, urging his team to stay locked in in their last two assignments in the first round against Ateneo and Adamson.

READ: UAAP: UE coach feels ‘lucky’ to have slew of guards stepping up

“Hopefully, itong nakuha naming three wins will bring us to the Final Four. But of course, we cannot afford to relax, especially we’re gonna face Ateneo. They’re a very strong team. Then, of course, our last game will be Adamson. Nakita naman natin yung laro nila,” he said.

Abate promises to keep the winning mentality for the remainder of the season. 

“Just keep going hard in practice. Keep fine-tuning the things that we need to do. For me, it’s the turnovers for the last couple of games and I really need to work on that. For a team aspect, we just keep making shots, keep executing on plays,” he said.