Permission to hope: UP continues quest to shake off cellar dweller reputation under Perasol

The UP Fighting Maroons after winning against the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, Sept 17, 2017. Photo by KC Cruz

The UP Fighting Maroons delighted their fans anew on Sunday, this time delivering an 84-71 beatdown against the UE Red Warriors in the UAAP Men's Basketball competition.

After a dramatic win against the UST in opening day play, the Maroons absorbed a 92-71 loss in the hands of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

"What we were trying to emphasize during practice was to let go of whatever was bothering our minds and were just happy were able to get to this game against a tough opening by UE ," said UP head coach Bo Perasol after the game. "We were able to bounce back even if we were outplayed, out-hustled in the first minutes of the game."

The Maroons benefitted from another great showing from Paul Desidero, who recorded his career-high 28 points. Desidero was also the hero in their opening match against the Growling Tigers, hitting a late go-ahead triple for the win.

This time, UP's perimeter offense was complimented by its inside presence, thenks to the 14 points of Ibrahim Quattara. The Malian recruit not only provided help in the offensive end, grabbing 18 rebounds - seven offensive-  with an assist and just two turnovers in over 25 minutes on the floor.

UP converted 14 rebounds into 16 second chance points, helping erect a lead as high as 23 points at one point.

"I was trying to ecourage Ibrahim here to be a factor for us and he understood the last two games he was trying to adjust and I really thought the win is in rebounding today," Perasol added. "We were able to settle down on our defense unlike when we played against Ateneo when we gave up 31 second chance points."

From Seasons 73-78, UP held a 7-77 win loss record. Under its new coach Perasol, it has gone 7-10. — LA, GMA News