Warriors smother Archers

University of the East redeemed itself from a sorry loss to National University as it pummeled defending champion De La Salle, 79-58, yesterday in the 64th UAAP basketball tournament at the Loyola Gym.

James Yap and Ronald Tubid started it all for the Red Warriors by conniving in a telling second quarter run but UE coach Boyzie Zamar said it was defense that spelled victory for them.

"The key here is defense. We made life miserable for them in this game," said Zamar, who felt redemption after UE lost to NU, 74-94, in its initial game last week.

It was the Red Warriors’ first win over the Archers in five years and the worst ever for the four-peat seeking team also in five seasons – the last against Ateneo (66-85), the team they demolished just last week, 91-76.

Santo Tomas also bounced back from a 59-66 loss to Far Eastern U on opening day as it tripped Adamson, 66-54, earlier. – Joey Villar