By NIKOLE JAVIER
Kyle Paranada powered University of the East with a career-high 25 points to end its 15-game losing skid at the expense of Far Eastern University, 76-66, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Red Warriors banked on their huge 25-8 third-quarter run to even their record to 1-1 in the league’s return to the famed Pasig venue since 2010.
UE, which wound up winless in the previous season earlier this year, tasted its last win in the league against National University, 79-77, in October 2019.
The Tamaraws, who fell to their second loss to start the season, managed to inch closer at the half within two points, but it was the last time they came close as the Red Warriors unleashed a blistering run in the third period.
"Meron lang kaming lapses down the stretch but still the bottom line is the game plan was followed. I thank my boys, especially si Kyle (Paranada)," said UE coach Jack Santiago.
Patrick Sleat paced the Tamaraws with 15 points while Cholo Añonuevo added 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
LJ Gonzales couldn’t also replicate his 19-point losing effort for FEU’s 79-70 loss to Ateneo last Oct. 2.
The Scores:
UE (76) -- K. Paranada 25, Tulabut 9, Villegas 8, N. Paranada 8, Pagsanjan 7, Sawat 6, Payawal 5, Stevens 4, Alcantara 2, Antiporda 2, Remogat 0, Beltran 0.
FEU (66) -- Sleat 15, Añonuevo 10, Torres 8, Alforque 6, Bautista 6, Gonzales 5, Tempra 5, Tchuente 4, Gravera 3, Sandagon 2, Songcuya 2, Guibao 0, Ona 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 38-36, 63-44, 76-66