Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — It took seven games, but the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors got their first victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79, after dealing the Adamson Soaring Falcons a 64-57 loss on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alvin Pasaol and RR De Leon paced the Red Warriors with 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
It was a family affair for both sides, as Adamson coach Franz Pumaren went toe-to-toe with his brother UE coach Derrick Pumaren for the first time this season.
It was also the first time that the two brothers faced off in collegiate basketball.
Adamson started out the more aggressive of the two, taking a 30-21 lead into the second half.
The Falcons built up their lead to as much as 48-27, but the Red Warriors bounced back soon enough.
UE quickly drew level with Adamson at 45-all through a Bonbon Batiller triple, before going on a 8-1 run of their own to lead 55-46 in the final frame.
Adamson saw red in the payoff period, failing to stem the tide and was ultimately outscored 24-12 to drop to 3-3 win-loss record.
Papi Sarr and Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Falcons with 13 and 10 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
After the game, Derrick Pumaren was happy to end the first round of the season with a win.
“Well I thought I wouldn’t see you guys in the first round,” Pumaren joked to the media in the post-game press conference.
Pumaren also said his team could have played better this season.
“We have not played to our full potential,” he added. “Coming into this game, the battle cry is to play our game for 40 minutes.”
The victory allowed UE to barge into the win column with a 1-6 slate.
The Adamson Falcons will look to end the first round on a high note when they tackle the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday.
