Hot-shooting Maroons shock Archers
UP's Paul Desiderio celebrates with his teammates | File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines leaned on its marksmanship to stun defending champion De La Salle University, 98-87, to cap Saturday’s UAAP action at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons drilled 16 of their 34 attempts from downtown to negate what had been a hot start by the Green Archers.
Paul Desiderio again paced the Fighting Maroons with 30 points, outdoing his career-high.
“I may be a little bit shamed to admit this but in the days coming over to this game my thoughts really are 'Parang you’re up against a powerhouse team iniisip mo what good can you get out of that?'" UP head coach Bo Perasol shared. "Iniisip mo na pag natalo ka what’re you going to gain from the loss?"
"Then again, before the game started somebody forwarded to me twitter account ni Jun (Manzo). Nahiya ako sa sarili ko kasi my players believe we can compete with that powerhouse. Good thing we're able to execute the things we planned," Perasol added.
Walang imposible sa taong naniniwala #UPFIGHT
— Jun Manzo (@JkManzo13) September 23, 2017
"Ang importante was, during the game, we did not panic. We managed to get back despite Ben’s torrid shooting in the beginning,” added Perasol.
As if toppling the perennial contenders wasn't enough of a milestone, the Fighting Maroons also tied the league’s all-time best of triples unloaded. They joined the 2010 Growling Tigers, 2006 Soaring Falcons and the 1997 Blue Eagles.
The last time UP won over DLSU was in in Sept. 9, 2015, with a result of 71-66. They are now both at the league's second spot with a record of three wins and a loss.
Mbala, who flaunted his new-found range, kicked the game off with four straight triples. He wound up with 34 points to lead the Archers.
UP will try to extend their winning ways over FEU Tamaraws on October 1, while DLSU is going to try to rebound from their first loss of the season at the expense of the listless UST Growling Tigers on September 30.
BOX SCORES
UP 98 – Desiderio 30, Manzo 17, Gomez de Liano Ju 10, Gomez de Liano Ja 10, Lim 6, Ouattara 6, Jaboneta 6, Dario 5, Romero 4, Ricafort 2, Prado 2, Harris 0, Vito 0, Lao 0
DLSU 87 – Mbala 34, Caracut 15, Rivero R 12, Rivero P 9, Melecio 5, Montalbo 5, Santillan 5, Paraiso 2, Tratter 0, Go 0
QUARTER SCORES: 18-27, 47-43, 66-65, 98-87
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