By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors made major headlines on September 22, 2024, after becoming the first team in the UAAP to taint the record of the reigning defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
What made the win sweeter for the Red Warriors was they finally clinched their first win of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament after three attempts, leaving the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws as the only school that is yet to enter the winning column.
The only time that the Green Archers held the lead was when they opened the game with the first bucket, 2-0, and eventually fell flat until the final buzzer sounded in the fourth.
Entering the matchup as huge underdogs after getting overpowered during their first two losses, UE surprised the thousands in attendance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena after schooling DLSU with their waxing hot three-point shooting.
Everything just fell into place soon as UE swished their first attempt from downtown and became the jolt of their electric outing, especially against the defending champions who were expected to demolish the Red Warriors.
UE hiked its advantage to as much as 17 points courtesy of their consistent offensive execution and also took advantage of DLSU’s cold stretch in the first half.
Just when UE thought they could lift their smiles all game long, the Green Archers staged one final comeback in the fourth frame led by the clutch two-way efficiency of big man Mike Phillips.
Phillips was everywhere on the court, diving for the loose balls, stealing the leather in the passing lanes while dunking with force.
What was once a 17-point lead was trimmed to just two points after Kevin Quiambao sank a floater in the baseline with only 29 seconds left in the game, 73-71.
DLSU earned another break after a successful defensive stop made possible by their full-court hounding pressure.
With the chance to equalize the ball game, the Green Archers went to Quiambao and electrified the Green Nation after he was fouled going to the hole.
Unfortunately, Quiambao, who is the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the UAAP, missed both of his shots from the charity stripe that gave UE room to breathe.
The Red Warriors then iced the ball game after a perfect 2/2 trip from the free throw line and completed the biggest upset in the ongoing UAAP tourney so far in the preliminary round.
John Abate spearheaded UE’s massive win with 20 big points backstopped by Wello Lingolingo’s 18-point performance derived from six three-pointers.
“I will give credit sa boys ko because, during our practice, I saw the intensity already. I just told them we just need to have a good start and as much as possible, keep the game close, and the boys responded very well,” said UE mentor Jack Santiago after their win.
