UNIVERSITY of the East (UE) ended its 15-game losing skid after scoring a 76-66 decision of Far Eastern University (FEU) Wednesday in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Red Warriors needed a huge 25-8 third-quarter to end the drought and go 1-1 won-lost this season.
It was the Red Warriors’ first win since edging National University, 79-77, on October 30, 2019.
Although the Tamaraws tried to rally from a 44-65 hole to trim the deficit to single digit, the 18-time UAAP champions’ huge lead was enough cushion to preserve their victory.
“We had lapses down the stretch but the bottom line is the game plan was followed,” UE coach Jack Santiago said. “I thank my boys, especially Kyle [Paranada].”
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 led 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.
Defending champion University of the Philippines (UP), meanwhile, rallied from 16 points down in the first half and leaned on Terrence Fortea in overtime to turn back Adamson University, 87-78, for its second straight victory also on Wednesday.
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.
Fortea scored 12 points and dished out five assists to go with three assists and two rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
Zavier Lucero led UP with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Senegalese Diouf produced a double-double of 13 points and 12 boards to go with four blocks and four assists.
Adamson University dropped in a tie with FEU at 0-2.
Jerom Lastimosa led the Falcons with 25 points, six assists and six rebounds while Congolese Lenda Douanga chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
