University of the East (UE) head coach Derrick Pumaren earlier warned opponents that they have not seen the real Red Warriors after an ugly debut against the University of the Philippines last September 5.

However, the heavy underdogs from Recto showed its wares, drubbing defending champions National University (NU), 76-71, even without team captain Chris Javier.

Edson Batiller, an obscure rookie from General Santos City, led the Red Warriors charge, scoring 14 of UE’s 28 points in the third quarter and left the game as the league’s second leading scorer, finishing the game with 23 points.

Batiller was unstoppable in the third canto, firing back-to-back triples and two dribble penetrations in a furious 12-0 run as UE overtook NU after the latter led, 39-32.

After a quick two by Bulldog Kyle Neypes, the Red Warriors once again unleashed a 12-0 run, this time with veteran Paul Varilla taking charge, as he scored eight points in the quarter, for a 57-43 lead.

Those runs by the Red Warriors were enough to stave off any comeback from the Bulldogs, as the backcourt duo of Gelo Alolino and Nico Javelona were the only bright spots for the beleaguered champions. The former led his team with 23 points while the latter scored 16 points.

The Bulldogs came close, 61-62, midway in the fourth quarter, thanks to a 15-2 run off scoring outbursts from Alolino and Jess Diputado but the inexperienced Red Warriors answered back with back-to-back treys from Edgar Charcos and Varilla, which were made possible by Batiller’s assists.

Up 68-63 with three minutes left, Batiller and replacement center Don de Leon did the finishing touches with back to back jumpers to deal NU its second loss in as many games.