Hot start as UP routs UE to get UAAP campaign going

UP’s Juan Gomez De Liano splits the defense of UE’s Jason Varilla (L) and Christopher Conner. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

University of the Philippines started its campaign with a convincing 87-58 win over University of the East in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

After a tie at 33 at the end of the first half, the Fighting Maroons used a strong third quarter and outscored the Red Warriors 25-12 to break away.

UP held a 58-45 lead at the start of the fourth and that margin just ballooned as the game progressed.

Javi Gomez de Liaño gave UP a 72-50 lead midway through the fourth connecting with younger brother Juan for the layup that capped off the Fighting Maroons’ 14-5 run.

“It’s probably the first game jitters but we just had to remind ourselves that we know what to do regardless whether it’s a man or zone defense put against us,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol, whose team got slowed down in the second quarter with UE’s zone defense.

UE’s defensive scheme capitalized on UP’s mistakes with the Red Warriors scoring eight points off the Maroons’ turnovers in the first half.

“This is just the start, I’m just happy we’re able to get this win and hope we could capitalize on this momentum,” added Perasol.

Bright Akhuetie put up 15 points and 18 rebounds in his first game for UP while Paul Desiderio scrapped for 12 points, on 5-of-18 shooting, and 10 rebounds.

Alvin Pasaol had 14 points and seven boards to lead the Red Warriors.

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