UAAP 85: Red Warriors end losing streak; Fighting Maroons win

University of the East ended its 15-game losing skid after a 76-66 decision of 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.

Jalen Stevens of the UE Red Warriors [UAAP photo]
Jalen Stevens of the UE Red Warriors [UAAP photo]

Although the Tamaraws were able to rally from a 44-65 hole and trim down the deficit to single digits, 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.

Marc Pingris on the FEU Bench [UAAP photo]
Marc Pingris on the FEU Bench [UAAP photo]

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.

Terrence Fortea of the UP Fighting Maroons [UAAP photo]
Terrence Fortea of the UP Fighting Maroons [UAAP photo]

In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines rallied from 16 points in the first half and leaned to Terrence Fortea in overtime to turn back Adamson University, 87-78, for its second straight victory.

Fortea was superb in the extra session, nailing back-to-back triples and assisted Malick Diouf’s slam dunk to give the Fighting Maroons the needed separation at 82-74 with 2:28 remaining.

Continuing to shine in the absence of injured guard JD Cagulangan, Fortea scored 12 points and dished out five assists to go with three assists and two rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

“Terrence really picking up naman since before na mag-start,” said Fighting Maroons coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Last season was a big adjustment for him kasi for that position but this season, I think unti-unti, siguro habang wala si Maimai (JD Cagulangan), nabibigyan siya ng time at nag-iimprove siya.

“Hopefully, pagbalik ni Maimai, at least puwede silang magsabay,” he added.

LENDA DOUANGA of Adamson and MALICK DIOUF of UP. [UAAP photo]

The Falcons lost a 47-31 halftime lead but were able to send the game into overtime after Joem Sabandal calmly hit three free throws off a James Spencer foul with 0.1 second left in regulation, but the San Marcelino-based cagers could not get the job done.

Zavier Lucero led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Senegal’s Diouf produced a double-double outing of 13 points and 12 boards to go with four blocks and four assists.

Adamson University dropped in a tie with Far Eastern University at 0-2.

Jerom Lastimosa came through with 25 points, six assists and six rebounds while Congo’s Lenda Douanga chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks for the Falcons.

First game:
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

Second game:
UP (87) — Lucero 15, Diouf 13, Fortea 12, Tamayo 11, Alarcon 9, Gonzales 9, Spencer 8, Galinato 3, Ramos 3, Torculas 2, Calimag 2, Abadiano 0.

Adamson (78) — Lastimosa 25, Douanga 11, V. Magbuhos 10, Sabandal 10, Hanapi 8, Yerro 4, Jaymalin 3, Manzano 2, Barasi 2, W. Magbuhos 2, Flowers 1, Colonia 0, Torres 0, Barcelona 0.

Quarterscores: 19-17, 31-47, 58-62, 74-74, 87-78