Red-letter day
No one could blame Paolo Hubalde for not stringing together a decent statement during the postgame interview on Saturday.
“I have no words,” the former professional playmaker said.
He didn’t need any.
The silver lining for a program that has gone through two years and 30 games without a win is that everybody is willing to join in celebrating minor victories—like putting an end to that losing streak.
The Warriors found their best opportunity to get a win, finally, and didn’t waste it, wearing down the gritty Adamson Falcons, 53-47, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“This is what it feels like to win, right boys?” Hubalde said, addressing Tope Lagat and Mo Tañedo, who accompanied their coach to the press room—bathing in cheers that started from the hardcourt up to the time they took their places at the interview table.
“I just thank God for giving us the win. All the credit goes to the boys because it’s a very, very long time coming,” Hubalde said.
“I always tell them to play your hearts out because it’s the way I played back in the day. It finally showed up today,” he added.
The last time UE won a UAAP game was back in October 26, 2024, when they defeated National U.
Tañedo, who was already with UE when it went winless last year, felt all sorts of relief after the game.
“It’s kind of a surreal feeling,” he said. “Me and Tope have been playing since last year and all the losses just weighed in on us.”
Tañedo dropped 14 points on the Falcons, adding four rebounds and two assists.
“We just try to uplift our teammates and ourselves,” he said.
Lagat also finished with 14 in the win that gave UE a 1-10 record—dismal, yes, but enough to light up the Warriors’ day.
Adamson pulled to within three late in the game, but JM Edoukou delivered the dagger that made it 52-47, with 12.5 seconds remaining.
Edoukou finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Manu Anabo top-scored for Adamson with 12 points and five rebounds but could not stop the Falcons from faltering and dropping to 4-7. Matthew Montebon also had 10 in the defeat.
UE’s breakthrough win overshadowed University of the Philippines’ march to the Final Four in the second game.
The Maroons made the semifinals after holding off Ateneo, 82-74.
“We got our first goal, which is to reach the final four,” coach Goldwin Monteverde said.
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