Warriors stun Archers

REY Suerte tows University of the East to its first victory. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

Rey Suerte hit two clutch three-pointers in the closing seconds to lift University of the East (UE) to a stunning 89-88 victory over De La Salle University for its first win in Season 82 University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Suerte’s game-winner pegged the final score with 3.2 seconds left as Green Archers guard Aljun Melecio’s long three-point attempt missed the target and UE snapped a three-game slide.

The two-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Most Valuable Player finished with a career-high 31 points to go along with his seven rebounds and three assists in a spectacular performance from the one-and-done Red Warrior.

“We really need to win this time. That was my mindset during that crucial moment,” Suerte said.

Encho Serrano gave La Salle an 85-83 lead on two free throws with 29.6 seconds left when Suerte nailed a three-pointer to put the lead back to UE, 86-85, 15.4 ticks left.

Melecio responded with his own triple to reclaim the advantage for the Green Archers, 88-86, 10.8 seconds remaining.

Red Warriors active consultant Lawrence Chongson called for a timeout and set up a play for Suerte, who pulled off against Kurt Lojera at the top of the key for the game-winning three-point basket.

“One word: Lucky,” said Chongson, who also drew 19 markers from former La Salle player Neil Tolentino. Returnee Jem Cruz added 13 points and eight rebounds for UE.

Justin Baltazar had another solid game for the Taft-based team with 21 points and 17 rebounds while Melecio also tallied 21 markers.

Team captain Andrei Caracut contributed 16 points for the Green Archers, who dropped to 1-2 in the team standings. Serrano netted 14.

La Salle played minus its star one-and-done forward Jamie Malonzo, who sat out the game due to a sprain on his left wrist.

Without Malonzo, the Red Warriors dominated the game early and even led as much as 13 points, 48-35, late in the first half.

The Green Archers, behind Melecio, Serrano and Baltazar, made their moves in the final period but UE relied on Suerte’s heroics to foil the comeback of La Salle.