UAAP: UE dismantles FEU for first win of the season

University of the East stopped its losing streak in the loudest of ways after pulling off a 90-65 upset of Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.

The Red Warriors ended their winless run to get to a 1-4 card, still at the bottom of the standings, while the Tamaraws continued their inconsistent ways for a 2-2 record and a share of the third spot with De La Salle.

From holding to just a 28-26 lead midway through the second quarter, the Red Warriors looked to have found a sudden spark after going on an 11-3 run with Jason Varilla giving them a 39-29 lead with 2:05 left in the quarter.

That early run proved to be enough for UE as it cruised through the final two quarters even taking a 28-point lead with 5:56 left in the game after Christopher Conner’s triple.

UE head coach Joe Silva, who’s in his first year in the collegiate level, said their win was a long time coming and that the victory was the culmination of the work they’ve put in.

“Hard work pays off, I always tell them to work hard and the results will follow,” said Silva who was once the head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. “We’ve been working hard and I told the boys they deserve to win already.”

“We’re a family so I told them to take what they deserve and they showed it today.”

Alvin Pasaol, who came off the bench for the first time this season, put up 27 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals to lead the Red Warriors while Jason Varilla had 17 points and five boards.

Philip Manalang orchestrated UE’s offense with 13 points and 12 assists.

Hubert Cani led the Tamaraws with 12 points while Arvin Tolentino had 11 points.