The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have finally entered the win column with a 75-71 win over the hapless University of the East Red Warriors, Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The win is coach Bo Perasol’s first win as UP mentor.
“I do understand why the first time UP won a year ago, they celebrated with a bonfire,” Perasol shared. “We all understand it because it’s like struggling within a struggle. We are trying to overcome a lot of things in our minds.”
“The bad thing about this is that we practice well all the time. Our challenge to everyone else is to transfer everything we practice into the game.”
King Maroon Jett Manuel led the Fighting Maroons with 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Paul Desiderio added 17 as well to go along with 10 rebounds.
“So I have Jett and Paul here who have been very consistent,” Perasol remarked. “They kept on going on and there is always a light in the end of the tunnel.”
With the Red Warriors up by a solitary point with 1:54 remaining, Dave Moralde was able to find second year guard Jarell Lim for a wide-open triple to give the Maroons a 69-67 lead. However, the Maroons failed to get back on defense as Nick Abanto was able to slash through the lanes to tie the game nine seconds later.
However, Manuel did not let up, converting a clutch jumper on the other end to put pressure on UE. The Red Warriors were able to gain the possession back after a highlight block by Bonbon Batiller on Jerson Prado. Batiller, however, missed on a long triple. Free throws by Manuel sealed the win for UP.
“Very emotional. Down three games and this being my final year, very emotional ito,” Manuel shared.
“Yung past three games kulang pa sa gigil sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” Desiderio added.
The game had 10 deadlocks and nine lead changes as the first half saw wild swings. UE started the game with a 19-8 run before the Fighting Maroons answered back with a 21-0 rally. The Red Warriors ended the half on an 18-5 run to gain a 37-34 lead.
“This is proof that we can win games against a tough team like UE,” Perasol said. “We hope we can capitalize on this. There’s still 10 more games.”
“I just believe that there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. We are going to enjoy this win,” Manuel closed.
Mark Olayon scored 15 markers to pace UE. Batiller filled-up the statsheets with 14 points, eight rebounds, and six dimes in the loss.
The UP Fighting Maroons (1-3) look to build on this win as they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (2-2) on Sunday, September 25, at 2:00pm. On the other hand, the UE Red Warriors (0-4) look to end their losing streak on Saturday, September 24, squaring off against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (2-2) at 4:00pm.
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.
Quarterscores: 16-19, 34-37, 57-58, 75-71.
