UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) guns for its fourth win when it meets giant-slayer University of the East (UE) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
The game is set at 2 p.m. with the Fighting Maroons (3-1) taking on the Red Warriors (1-3) to preserve their grip of the No.2 position behind the idle Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-0).
Adamson University (3-2), meanwhile, tries to stay close to the leaders as it faces De La Salle at 4 p.m.
UP is coming off consecutive one-point victories with the most recent against National University, 80-79, last Wednesday.
Kobe Paras remained consistent with another big production of 25 points and six rebounds for UP. Bright Akhuetie had 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Javi Gomez de Liaño added 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Still finding cohesion, Coach Bo Perasol reminded his team to stay vigilant against the lowly UE.
“It’s the same thing—to put value into the couple of wins that we had in the last week. We need to go out strong against UE. That’s a very dangerous team,” Perasol said.
The Red Warriors are coming from a huge win over the Green Archers last week. Rey Suerte hit five triples, including the game-winner with 3.2 seconds left.