KYLE PARANADA lifted University of the East (UE) to a monumental upset of De La Salle University, 81-72, in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball action Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Paranada essayed a giant role with his 5-foot-9 frame as he led the Red Warriors’ attack with eighth straight points that saw UE toppling a 67-59 and tying the count at 67-all with four minutes remaining.
That proved to be the boost the Red Warriors needed as they completed a 22-5 rally capped by Paranada’s acrobatic conversion that netted him a foul and a bonus free throw that gave his team an insurance 81-72 advantage with 34.9 seconds left.
UE head coach Jack Santiago said his wards were prompted by National University’s 80-75 victory over reigning champion University of the Philippines before their game against De La Salle.
“The boys were inspired by NU’s win and they did everything against De La Salle,” Santiago.
Interestingly, Santiago was a long-time assistant to head coach Franz Pumaren at De La Salle and now he even have former Green Archer standout Don Allado as one of his assistants.
On the other end, Derek Pumaren was a former Red Warrior himself and used to be UE head coach in the not distant past.
Kyle Paranada finished with 20 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals, while elder brother Nikko had 18 points.
Luis Villegas had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Gani Stevens added eight points, eight rebounds and four steals for UE, which improved to 2-2 won-lost for a tie for fourth spot with De La Salle. Schonny Winston tallied 26 points, nine rebounds and four steals, while Kevin Quiambao had 15 points and six rebounds and Penny Estacio produced seven points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Green Archers.