By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors pulled off a statement win over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 81-74, in the ongoing UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
After losing their last game against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, the Red Warriors made sure they’ll have a sweeter bounce back after dealing tournament favorites DLSU an immediate loss following their stunning win against the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles.
Brothers Kyle and Nikko Paranada joined hands to lift the Red Warriors after combining for 38 points in the win.
Kyle notched team-high honors after dropping 20 points, six assists, three rebounds, and three steals while Nikko contributed 18 big points.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the first half as both teams failed to seize full control of the game and traded basket after basket.
However, the Green Archers banked on their aggressiveness penetrating to the hole and were able to establish a 10-point lead, 49-39, with 5:26 remaining in the third quarter.
DLSU continued to execute its high pick-and-roll plays that paid off dividends but the Red Warriors always had answers courtesy of the Paranada brothers.
The Green Archers then ballooned its lead to eight points again, 67-59, after the Red Warriors had a scoring drought midway in the final canto.
Just when DLSU thought they could snowball offensively, Kyle Paranada carried the whole UE squad on his back and uncorked a personal 8-0 run to equalize the game at 67-all.
Paranada’s outburst sucked the life out of the Green Archers squad and spearheaded a massive 22-5 closing rally for the Red Warriors that helped them extend their lead to nine points, 81-72.
Kyle then buried the exclamation point with 34 seconds remaining after completing a highlight circus layup that put the crowd on their feet.
On the other hand, DLSU was led by Schonny Winston with 26 points while rookie big man Kevin Quiambao added 15 points.
The Green Archers missed the services of Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy who are still nursing their respective injuries.
