By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
BROKE through with their first victory in University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82, the University of the East Red Warriors are determined to add on to it and not just be a one-win team.
Outlasted and survived the De La Salle Green Archers, 89-88, on Sept. 14 on the heroics of one-and-done Rey Suerte, the Warriors (1-3), who halted a three-game losing streak with the win, reiterated that they are in the tournament with every intention to compete and wiggle out of their “tailending” ways in past UAAP seasons.
Suerte, a former most valuable player at the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) while playing for the University of the Visayas, provided the clutch baskets down the stretch for UE, including what turned out to be the game-winning three-pointer in the dying seconds that handed them the lead for good.
The one-and-done Suerte finished with a career-best 31 points along with seven rebounds and three assists.
Neil Tolentino contributed 19 points and three rebounds for UE with Jem Cruz adding 13 points and eight boards in the win.
“Let’s put it this way, one win does not make a tournament. [But] We don’t practice hard. We did not get Rey Suerte and a foreign player to win just one game,” said UE active consultant Lawrence Chongson following their win.
“Hopefully after this, the thorn has been lifted so to speak, and we get to play better. We hope this win serves as an inspiration for us moving forward,” added Mr. Chongson, who is running the team along with head coach Bong Tan.
In Season 81, the Warriors finished with a 1-13 record.
For game hero Suerte, the win over La Salle was a huge one, something they hope to build on for the rest of the season.
“We thank God for this first win of hopefully more this season for us,” he said.
Suerte went on to say that he is determined to make the most of his one year with the Warriors, sharing everything he can to improve the UE program not only for the now but also for the future.
“I just want to keep pushing. I want to help our young players so that when it’s their time to lead they can hold their own,” he said.
UE returns on Sept. 21 against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
