The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons pinned down the De La Salle Green Archers, 71-66 to book its second straight win, first since 2005, in season 78 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s basketball showdown, Wednesday September 09, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons dealt the Green Archers its first loss of the season. In a game where the Diliman-based squad is considered as the consensus underdog, UP pulled off a huge upset over season 76 Champions. Asked about the stellar performance of his players, UP Rookie head coach Rensy Bajar was all praises for them, “Hindi ako nagugulat doon sa laro ng mga bata. I believe on these kids.”
UP looked sharp from the get-go as the Fighting Maroons held the Green Archers to 38 percent from the field. Returning players Jett Manuel and Paul Desiderio provided the much needed spark for the Maroons as they combined for 27 of UP’s 71 points.
IN PHOTOS: UP Fighting Maroons shows maturity, defeats DLSU Green Archers
Asked on how big of a factor are the guidance of Coach Bajar and American tactician Joe Ward, Desiderio had an answer. “Binibigyan kami ng kumpiyansa ni Coach Rensy at Coach Joe. Kung ano utos ni Coach Rensy, gagawin lang namin ni Jett.” Desiderio, who is coming back after foregoing last season to play for Batang Gilas in the World Cup, said.
The win against La Salle is the first for UP since 2009 and also the first back-to-back wins after a decade of heartbreaks for the Diliman community.
Meanwhile, Prince Rivero led La Salle with a double-double as he hit 15 markers and grabbed 11 boards in a white-flag effort for the Taft-based school. King Archer Jeron Teng fouled out in the dying minutes of the game after scoring only ten points as La Salle lost its second game at the expense of frequent cellar-dweller UP.
The Fighting Maroons will try to build on their winning streak as they next face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Sunday, September 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
IN PHOTOS: UP Fighting Maroons shows maturity, defeats DLSU Green Archers
