Surprising UE downs UST, climbs to share of 4th

MANILA, Philippines – The UE Red Warriors picked up their second straight win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament after defeating the UST Growling Tigers, 78-68, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, October 16.

Four players scored in double figures for UE in its first league winning streak since Season 82, with rookie Luis Villegas showing the way with all-around numbers of 17 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.

Nikko Paranada added 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jojo Antiporda dropped all of his 13 points in the Warriors’ pivotal third-quarter run where they led in double-digits for the first time, 49-39.

Gani Stevens also chipped in 11 markers for the Red Warriors, who improved to 3-2 in the standings – tied with the La Salle Green Archers at the fourth spot.

The victory came four days after the Warriors – who dropped all of their 14 games last season – stunned La Salle in an 81-74 decision.

After trailing most of the first half, UE turned on the jets in the highly physical third quarter and outscored UST, 27-20, behind Antiporda for a six-point 55-49 cushion heading into the final frame.

UST, which played without foreign student-athlete Adama Faye in the payoff period due to his disqualifying foul on UE’s Harvey Pagsanjan in the third frame, managed to pull back within a single possession, 54-57, in the early goings of the fourth quarter, before UE increased its lead to double-digits, 70-60, off two free throws by Villegas with under 3 minutes left to play.

Villegas, who was also called for an unsportsmanlike foul in the third canto, then converted on a wide-open triple with 1:28 remaining to extend UE’s advantage to 13, 73-60, which ultimately sealed the deal for the Red Warriors.

Nic Cabañero led the charge anew for the Growling Tigers – who dropped to 1-4 – with a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds.

UE goes for its third straight win when it faces FEU, while UST tries to end its four-game losing skid against UP at 6:30 pm and 4:30 pm, respectively, on Wednesday, October 19.

The Scores

UE 78 – Villegas 17, N. Paranada 17, Antiporda 13, Stevens 11, Pagsanjan 5, Payawal 5, K. Paranada 4, Sawat 4, Abatayo 2, Beltran 0, Remogat 0, Guevarra 0, Alcantara 0, Langit 0, Lingo-lingo 0.

UST 68 – Cabanero 19, Lazarte 12, Faye 11, Manalang 9, Pangilinan 8, Manaytay 5, Duremdes 2, Calimag 1, Mantua 1, Garing 0, Herrera 0.

Quarters: 10-13, 28-29, 55-49, 78-68.

– Rappler.com