University of the East ended its 15-game losing skid after a 76-66 decision against Far Eastern University Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.
The Red Warriors needed a huge 25-8 third quarter to even their record to 1-1 in the league’s first-ever game at the fabled Pasig venue since August 2010.
It was UE’s first win since nipping National University, 79-77, on October 30, 2019.
The Tamaraws were able to rally from a 44-65 hole and trim down the deficit to single digits. But that huge lead was enough cushion for the Red Warriors to preserve the win.
“Meron lang kaming lapses down the stretch, but still the bottom line is the game plan was followed. I thank my boys, especially si Kyle (Paranada),” said UE coach Jack Santiago.
Paranada was solid for the Red Warriors with 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting, and dished out five assists.
It was also UE’s first victory against FEU since a 90-65 rout on September 30, 2018.
Patrick Sleat took the scoring mantle for the Tamaraws with 15 points, while Cholo Añonuevo contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
LJ Gonzales, who suffered a cut on his left eye in practice Tuesday, only had five points after dropping 19 points in FEU’s 70-79 loss to Ateneo Sunday.
The Scores:
UE (76) — K. Paranada 25, Tulabut 9, Villegas 8, N. Paranada 8, Pagsanjan 7, Sawat 6, Payawal 5, Stevens 4, Alcantara 2, Antiporda 2, Remogat 0, Beltran 0.
FEU (66) — Sleat 15, Añonuevo 10, Torres 8, Alforque 6, Bautista 6, Gonzales 5, Tempra 5, Tchuente 4, Gravera 3, Sandagon 2, Songcuya 2, Guibao 0, Ona 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 38-36, 63-44, 76-66
