Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) – Prized recruit Deschon Winston waxed hot in his debut game to lead the De La Salle University Green Archers in their 71-66 win over the University of the East Red Warriors in the final game of the UAAP Season 84 opening day at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Filipino American guard, formerly from Central Michigan University, sizzled with 22 points and six rebounds along with a 57% shooting clip.
Winston’s presence was felt more in the second quarter as he commanded a La Salle scoring rally in establishing their biggest lead of the game at 18 points, 47-29.
The Green Archers continued to pounce the Red Warriors from all ends of the floor in the third quarter, but the Recto-based team found a way to return in the fourth quarter.
UE’s top scorers Nico Paranada and Harvey Pagsanjan steered their squad to a close contest with their lucky offensive breaks in the final canto.
But Winston delivered anew for La Salle in the final two minutes of the game after he sank a big three-point shot to extend their lead, 70-61.
“Still not a nice win, but we have to take it. We still have a lot of things to do, correct a lot of things but take the win and continue work on our game,” De La Salle head coach Derrick Pumaren said in the post-game press conference.
Gilas member Justine Baltazar added 12 markers and 11 boards while former San Beda product Evan Nelle produced 11 points in his debut with the Green Archers.
Paranada clinched 13 points and Pagsanjan added 11 markers for the Red Warriors in their losing effort.
UE will face Adamson in the first game on Tuesday at 10 a.m. while La Salle will battle fellow opening day victor NU at 4 p.m.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 71 – Winston 22, Baltazar 12, Nelle 11, Nwankwo 10, Lojera 6, B. Phillips 4, Austria 4, M. Phillips 2, Manuel 0, Lim 0.
UE 66 – N. Paranada 13, Pagsanjan 13, Lorenzana 11, Antiporda 6, Sawat 5, Escamis 4, Villanueva 4, Tulabut 3, K. Paranada 2, Catacutan 2, Je. Cruz 2, Ja. Cruz 1, Abatayo 0, Beltran 0.
Quarterscores: 22-15, 47-31, 60-49, 71-66
