Desiderio’s triple saves UP Fighting Maroons from FEU Tamaraws

(UP Fighting Maroon Paul Desiderio shooting over FEU Tamaraw Prince Orizu. Photo by Arvin Lim/ ABS-CBN Sports)

Paul Desiderio was once again hero for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons after hitting a game-winning trifecta over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 59-56, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

FEU guard Jasper Parker sank a triple that tied the score 56-all, but Desiderio, with ice in his veins, replied with his own version of a clutch three with 1.1 ticks left that sealed the win for UP.

The Tamaraws quickly put up a lead by sinking back-to-back triples on the first quarter but the Fighting Maroons countered on the following frame with a 17-0 run through the efforts of Paul Desiderio and Jun Manzo.

The Morayta-based team displayed A+ basketball on both ends of the court in the third canto, dominating the Diliman-based squad, 22-5.

Desiderio led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points on a 6/23 shooting but nonetheless hitting the biggest shot of the game. Ibrahim Outtara posted 10 markers and 15 boards.

Parker carried the Tamaraws with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Arvin Tolentino followed with 12 markers and six caroms.

UP and FEU are now tied for the fourth and fifth spot, both with 5-6 slate.

UP will try to extend their momentum against Adamson on Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Araneta Coliseum. FEU will try to get back on the winning column against UE on the same day at the same venue.

The Scores

UP (59) - Desiderio 15, Ouattara 10, Manzo 7, Gomez de Liaño Ju. 7, Gomez de Liaño Ja. 6, Lim 6, Vito 5, Lao 2, Jaboneta 1, Webb 0, Prado 0, Dario 0, Ricafort 0, Battad 0, Romero 0.

FEU (56) - Parker 13, Tolentino 12, Dennison 9, Comboy 6, Trinidad 4, Cani 3, Orizu 3, Tuffin 2, Eboña 1, Iñigo 0.

Quarter scores: 14-18, 32-25, 37-47, 59-56.