Paul Desiderio lifts Fighting Maroons to convincing win over Red Warriors

Beatrice Go

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Paul Desiderio lifts Fighting Maroons to convincing win over Red Warriors
Paul Desiderio attains a career-high 28 points as he leads UP to a 2-1 record

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons bounced back from their previous loss to win against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 84-71, on Sunday, September 17, at the Araneta Coliseum. 

The Red Warriors could have had a breakout performance in this match with their efficient full court defense and successful conversions in the first half. However, the Fighting Maroons rallied back in the second half and continued to limit the Red Warriors’ offense until the end of the game. 

The Red Warriors were hungry for their first win of the season, as they held a big 14-point lead (27-13) against the Fighting Maroons in the first quarter. UP sparked a comeback in the second quarter, highlighted by Javier Gomez de Liano’s corner triple that tied the score at 33-all. 

Veteran forward Clark Derige backed up rookie Mark Maloles by draining two triples, and he clutched the second one in the last second of the first half. UE held a 4-point lead at the end of the second quarter (42-38).

The Fighting Maroons turned the tables after Maloles scored back-to-back early in the third frame. Paul Desiderio made a stepback three and finished his drive with a layup to get ahead of the Red Warriors by 1. Desiderio’s play proved to be the turning point as UP pulled away with a 15-point lead at the end of the third.

The Red Warriors attempted to rally back in the fourth after the Fighting Maroons extended the lead to a massive 22 points. However, the Desiderio-led team continued to wax hot to end the game with a 13-point lead. 

Desiderio scored a double-double in this game and attained a career high of 28 points and 10 rebounds. Ibrahim Outtara followed with a double-double of his own with 14 points and 18 rebounds, 7 of which are offensive boards.

Derige continued to lead the UE Red Warriors with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals, while Maloles followed with 16 points.

This win puts UP at 2-1, while UE remains winless with a 0-3 record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

Scores:

UP (84) – Desiderio 28, Outtara 14, Manzo 10, Gomez de Liano Ja 9, Gomez de Liano Ju 7, Prado 7, Lim 4, Lao 3, Webb 2, Dario 0.

UE (71) – Derige 21, Maloles 16, Pasaol 12, Olayon 11, Manalang 8, Cullar 3, Varilla 0, Bartolome 0, Acuno 0, Abanto 0, Armenion 0, Conner 0, Cruz 0, Gagate 0.

Quarter scores (UP-UE): 18-27, 38-42, 64-49, 84-71

– Rappler.com 

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Beatrice Go

More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.