John Abate sank two clutch free throws in the final three seconds, propelling the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors to a stunning 75-71 upset over the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Abate, who scored a game-high 20 points, calmly knocked down his free throws after La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao missed two crucial ones with 15.8 seconds remaining.
The victory marked UE’s second straight win, improving their record to 2-2. La Salle, despite Quiambao’s team-high 17 points, suffered their first loss, dropping to 3-1 and sliding to second place.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons seized the solo lead in the standings after defeating Far Eastern University (FEU), 69-58. Francis Lopez led UP with 13 points, securing their fourth consecutive victory.
