UP Fighting Maroons upset DLSU Green Archers

(Ben Mbala defending Paul Desiderio from taking a shot. Photo by: Josh Albelda/ABS-CBN sports)

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons sent defending champions De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers crashing back to Earth, 98-87, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) arena in Pasay City.

The underdogs Fighting Maroons posed a David-and-Goliath performance against the erstwhile undefeated Green Archers sinking 16 of their 35 attempts from the parking lot compared to 10/37 shooting by La Salle.

Team Captain Paul Desiderio led the Fighting Maroons with 30 points, hitting 60% of his triples, while rookie playmaker Jun Manzo added 17 markers.

With the Fighting Maroons at the cellar during the past seasons, Head Coach Bo Perasol claimed that this win is considered an achievement for the team having been able to beat the fierce champions.

Season ‘79 MVP Ben Mbala posed a career-high 34 points, including 4 triples in a losing effort.

The Diliman-based squad tied DLSU with a 3-1 record.

DLSU confronts the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on September 30, Saturday, at the Big Dome, while UP will next face the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on October 1, Sunday, at the same venue. KATE REYES