PAUL Desiderio was hot with his three pointers, while big man Ibrahim Ouattara dominated the boards to power the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to a 84-71 smashing of the University of the East Warriors in the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Playing his best game in three outings, Desiderio top-scored with 28 points and struck hardest in the third period as the Maroons went on to post their second win in three games.
Outtara came up with a double-double output of 14 points and 18 rebounds for the Maroons, who turned the tables on the Warriors after their foes led by as much as 11 in the second period.
Coach Bo Perasol said the Fighting Maroons were able to rebound from their 71-92 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a big way.
“We were able to bounce back after we were outplayed in the first minutes. I encouraged Ibrahim to be a factor for us,” said Perasol.
With Clark Derige leading with 21 points and nine rebounds, the Warriors took charge with a 17-7 run behind Derige, Alvin Pasaol and Mark Maloles, as they went on to grab a 27-18 spread at the end of the first quarter and stay ahead, 42-38, at halftime.
But the Maroons were able to catch up and overtake the Warriors on three triples unleashed by Desiderio in the last 6:38 of the third quarter, 53-48.
Desiderio tallied 16 points for UP, which held Derige scoreless in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
With Outtara making his presence felt inside the paint, UP limited UE to seven points and finish the third with a 64-49 spread off Jerson Prado’s driving shot at the buzzer.
Meanwhile, Thirdy Ravena banged in 18 points, while Anton Asistio provided 16 points for defending champion Ateneo, which repulsed Far Eastern University, 94-82.
Ravena and Asistio combined for 19 points in the first period as they put the Blue Eagles ahead 34-22, on their way to a third straight victory.
“I tried to settle down with my game today. In the first two games kasi, masyado akong gigil,” said Desiderio.
Games Wednesday
(MOA Arena)
2 p.m. NU vs UST
4 p.m. Adamson vs La Salle