Paul Desiderio manages to be the hero once again for the University of the Philippines, converting another game-winning triple to allow the Maroons to escape with a 59-56 win over Far Eastern University at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Off the dead ball sequence with 6.2 seconds remaining, Desiderio receives a pass from Jun Manzo, takes a couple of dribbles and stepped back for the triple over the outstretched arms of his former high school teammate Ron Dennison.
The Tamaraws had a chance to answer with 1.1 seconds remaining, but Juan Gomez de Liano would intercept the desperation inbound heave to halfcourt.
It was a game of runs, with a 14-3 FEU run to them a 21-18 lead. A 17-0 run by UP allowed the Maroons to take a 32-25 halftime lead. FEU replied with a 22-5 third quarter, punctuated by 19 straight points, with the first eleven coming from Arvin Tolentino. UP would end the game on a 16-3 run, highlighted by the Desiderio triple.
Paul would finish with fifteen points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Before making the three, he had been 1/9 from beyond the arc
The win ends UP's 12-game losing streak to FEU, something head coach Bo sort of alluded to in the post-match press conference, with him referring to Paolo Romero asking the team to win this game, something he hasn't done for the entirety of his collegiate career.
Jasper Parker led FEU with thirteen points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Maroons will have a long break as they will return to action against Adamson on November 5. Meanwhile, the Tamaraws will face UE on the same day. All four teams fighting over the two available postseason spots. (c/o Kim Karlo Castro)
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