UP opens campaign with rout of UE
University of the Philippines (UP) outscored University of the East (UE) in the second half to post a lopsided 87-58 win in the opening day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Juan Gomez De Liano tallied 16 points and dished out six assists while Bright Akhuetie had a monster game of 15 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks in his UAAP debut to lead the Fighting Maroons to their first win.
“It took us two quarters to figure it out and there’s nothing out there that we haven’t prepared for. It’s probably part of the first game jitters,” said UP coach Bo Perasol to reporters after the game. “We are very happy that we got this win and hope we could capitalize on the momentum we have.”
University of the Philippines’ Bright Akhuetie (0) jumps for the rebound during the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. ANDREA DE LA CRUZ
Jun Manzo finished with 13 points, while Paul Desiderio added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Javier Gomez De Liano contributed 10 also for UP.
After a 33-all deadlock at the halftime break, the Fighting Maroons jumped the gun on the Red Warriors early in the second half to post a 44-37 cushion.
Since then, UP was never threatened.
The Fighting Maroons behind the huge games of Juan Gomez, Desiderio, Akhuetie and Manzo, registered their biggest lead, 87-56, with only few seconds left in the game.
“We can’t really get too excited right now because it is just our first game so we just have to go back and work harder and let’s see how far we go,” said Akhuetie who last played for University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the National Collegiate Athletic Association two years ago before transferring to UP.
Alvin Pasaol lead UE with 14 points and seven rebounds as the Red Warriors suffered their first defeat under new coach Joe Silva.
Prior to the game, host National University (NU) opened season with National Basketball Association’s Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors gracing the opening ceremony. He led the Oath of Sportsmanship.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player winner immediately left the building after his part in the program.
UAAP President Jose Nilo Ocampo of NU along with NU UAAP board of trustees Dr. RJ Ermita declared the games open.
“In Season 80, we celebrated greatness. But striving for greatness never really ends. It all begins here as we enter a new decade in the UAAP,” said Ermita.
“There’s a new vibrance among our student-athletes. This excellence will be felt by the thousands of new students and new fans. Welcome to your new UAAP experience. Beyond the competition, we celebrate the value of sports. Ladies and gentlemen, sports is life. Welcome to the UAAP. It all begins here.”
NU chorale sang “A million Dreams” followed by performances from Sponge Cola, actor James Reid and Korean star Minzy.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University battles Far Eastern University in the first game today at 12:00 noon while defending champion Ateneo De Manila University meets Adamson University in the second game at 4 p.m. also at the same venue.
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