MANILA – The University of the East (UE) put an end to five years of frustrations against the University of Santo Tomas with a 78-68 win in their UAAP men's basketball meeting on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
As the offense picked up in the second half, it was the Red Warriors who reigned supreme, outscoring the Growling Tigers, 50-39, to win for the second straight time.
Luis Villegas and Nick Paranada each scored 17 points with the former adding 11 rebounds for the double-double to lead UE, which tied La Salle for fourth place at 3-2.
However, Coach Jack Santiago was all praises to Harvey Pagsanjan and Jojo Antiporda, who broke out of their slumps.
"Hindi ako makapaniwala eh (I could not believe it). It's really a team effort, especially for guys like Harvey and Antiporda; for the last four games, they were struggling. I'm so happy nagising na sila (they re-emerged)," Santiago said.
Antiporda, who only had eight points for the first four games, had 13, while Pagsanjan made five markers, 11 boards, and one dime.
Nic Cabanero put up 19 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists to lead UST, which dropped to 1-4. (PNA)
