UNIVERSITY of the East’s Nigerian big man Precious Momowei shed tears when the dust settled in their battle with defending champion La Salle last Sunday night.

He let out a big roar and threw the ball in the air in frenzy, to the jubilation of the red-and-white clad supporters. Why not?

The Red Warriors had just stunned the Green Archers 75-71 for their first win in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament.

For UE coach Jack Santiago, his squad simply believed it can hack it despite the overwhelming odds.

“I give credit to the boys because during our practice, I saw the intensity already. I just told them that we need to have a good start and as much as possible we keep the game close. Again, the boys responded very well,” Santiago said. “Ang sabi ko nga sa boys, basta mag-stick kami sa game plan namin, we stick together.

“Whatever happens, we’ll stick together. For sure La Salle will make the run, we just had to weather the storm,” he added.

Santiago said his challenge to his wards was simple: Start strong and finish stronger after nearly squandering a 17-point lead.

“Again, going back doon sa previous games namin, especially against UST and UP, we came up very flat sa first quarter. Sabi ko sa kanila, we cannot afford that flat start with La Salle. I’m so happy with the boys kasi talagang gusto nilang manalo,” Santiago said.

“Actually, we had a serious talk nu’ng halftime, kasi from 17, na-cut into four. I told the boys that this batch is capable of winning games and beating the No. 1 team. Ini-emphasize ko lang sa kanila na kaya nilang mag-trabaho against a star-studded team like La Salle.”

John Abate had 20 points for the Warriors while Wello Lingolingo chipped in 18 markers on six three-pointers. – Abby Toralba

Gjerard Wilson added 10 points as UE scored a big follow up to a 56-51 win over Far Easter University last Wednesday and improved to 2-2.

La Salle went into the duel armed with a 74-61 whipping of rival Ateneo last Sunday and absorbed its first loss for a 3-1 card.

Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao paced the Archers with 17 points but missed two pressure-packed free throws with 28.4 seconds left.

Mike Phillips and Vhoris Marasigan combined for 26 for La Salle.

With the monkey now off their backs, the Warriors need to show their shocking victory was no fluke.