The Red Warriors led 28-11 after the first, and the surprise 17-point lead proved to be crucial as UE managed to offset several key La Salle runs in the second and fourth quarters.
By striking first and striking hard, the UE Red Warriors scored the biggest upset of the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
UE jumped the gun on defending champion La Salle, using a strong first quarter to set the tone in what would be a pulsating 75-71 win Sunday at the MOA Arena.
The Red Warriors led 28-11 after the first, and the surprise 17-point lead proved to be crucial as UE managed to offset several key La Salle runs in the second and fourth quarters.
A strong start was exactly what the doctor ordered for UE, a timely correction after struggles earlier in the season.
“Going back sa previous games namin, especially against UST and UP, we came out very flat dun sa first quarter,” head coach Jack Santiago said.
“Sabi ko, we cannot afford to have a flat start against La Salle. I’m so happy with the boys, kasi talagang gusto nila manalo,” he added.
[Related: UE holds on to score UAAP Season 87 shocker as Kevin Quiambao misses game-tying free throws for La Salle]
John Abate and Wello Lingolingo fueled UE’s dream start vs. La Salle, and the two gunners eventually led the way as well in the commanding win for the Red Warriors.
Abate fired 20 points in the victory, including the two free throws with five seconds left that sealed the upset. Lingolingo added 18 points on 6/10 shooting from deep.
Both marks are career-highs for the two players.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao paced La Salle with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but missed two critical free throws with 15.8 seconds left that would have tied the game.
Down by 12 with three minutes left, the Green Archers staged a 12-2 run to come to within two, 71-73.
UE’s win now has the team up to 2-2 in the standings, while the champs dropped to 3-1.