NU Bulldogs VS UE Red Warriors

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no 0-14 team this season.

The University of the East Red Warriors assured that when they posted their first win of the season, escaping past the National University Bulldogs, 72-71, in the UAAP Season 74 men’s basketball action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Warriors literally rose up from the grave, climbing back from a 10 point-hole, 68-58, in the final 4:11 to snatch the win from the Bulldogs’ grip.

Adrian Santos’s basket completed a 13-3 run as the Bulldogs came within one, 71-70, with still 1:22 left. NU’s highly-touted rookie Ray Parks turned the ball over in the next play leading to a UE fastbreak play that gave the Warriors the upper hand.

NU still had a chance to win the game when Parks was fouled with seven ticks to go. But alas, Parks, who was 5-for-5 from the line prior to this trip, missed two pressure-packed free throws that proved costly for the Bulldogs.

UE won the tip in the jumpball that ensued following Parks’ miss and the Red Warrios erupted in frenzied celebration for their first win of the season.

Paul Zamar shot 20 points for the Warriors who ended the first round with a 1-6 win-loss record. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, absorbed their fifth setbacks in seven games despite Parks’ 23 points and Emmanuel Mbe’s 13-point and 11-rebound performance.