Warriors exit with a win, Maroons go 0-14

Manila, Philippines – It came too late but nevertheless, the University of the East Red Warriors ended their worst season since 2001 with their heads unbowed.

With James Martinez all pumped up in his farewell game in the UAAP, the Warriors marooned the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 67-61, on Saturday to finish with a 6-8 card, just two games short of barging into the Final Four.

Martinez, who missed last season’s trip to the Finals with an ACL injury, left the league with a performance that he will probably bring to the pro ranks next year.

Martinez went against the Maroons almost 1-on-5 in the second canto where the sweet shooting guard scattered 11 of his team-high 17 points in dealing UP its second 0-14 season.

As Martinez was busy puncturing the hoops from afar, the Maroons, on the other hand, went to their graduating center Magi Sison inside.

Sison, who also wishes to join Martinez in the PBA next year, also poured it all. The big man from Pangasinan tried to answer Martinez with 7 of his career-high 21 points in that searing second quarter duel but it was clear that Sison was on the short end of the stick.

Despite Sison’s career game (17 rebounds and 4 blocks), the Warriors, who wished the second round was the first round, played with the confidence of a playoff team and held on to the victory.

“How I wish itong second round ay first round but the wins came a little bit too late. ‘Yung pride na lang namin ang nagdala sa amin, siyempre ayaw ko rin ma-ridicule,” said UE coach Lawrence Chongson, whose return next season is under a cloud of uncertainty.


Raffy Reyes, who also played his last game, backed up Martinez with 11 points and four rebounds. Sophomore Ken Acibar, who is being groomed to be the Warriors’ future leader, also chipped in 11 points and plucked down 8 boards and had 2 blocks.

“Alam naman ng lahat na first round talaga kami nagkulang. ‘Yung sinasabi nga ni coach (Lawrence) ay hindi naman yung ibang teams ang kalaban naming kundi sarili namin. Hindi pa fully healed ang injury (fractured right foot) ko tapos ang daming rookies, late na nila nalaman kung ano talaga role nila sa team,” said Paul Lee, who vowed to play out his remaining year of eligibility next season.

Lee, who had taken a back seat this season with FEU Tamaraw RR Garcia’s emergence, filled up the stat sheets. The enigmatic guard collected 8 points, 8 boards, 9 assists and 3 steals, showing a glimpse of how dominant he could be when 100% healthy.

“Magco-concentrate muna ako this off-season sa conditioning at strengthening ng paa ko. Babalik ang UE next season,” Lee promised.

The Scores:

UE 67 – Martinez 17, Acibar 11, Rosopa 9, Lee 8, Enguio 5, Santos 2, Zamar 2, Tagarda 2, Hernandez 0, Casajeros 0, Sumido 0, Noble 0, Duran 0.

UP 61 – Sison 21, Padilla 11, Silungan 9, Co 9, Saret 4, Maniego 4, Mikee Reyes 3, Pascual 0, Martin Reyes 0, Dionisio 0, Juruena 0, Gomez 0.

Quarters: 21-14, 36-29, 53-38, 67-61.

Source: Alder T. Almo, www.uaapsports.com