Desiderio's career-high lifts UP past FEU

Paul Desiderio registered a career-high 31 points to deliver the University of the Philippines' fifth win in UAAP Season 81, as they defeated the Far Eastern University, 95-82, Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Desiderio waxed hot early in the game with 18 points in the first quarter, converting all six attempts from rainbow country to help give the Maroons a comfortable 54-43 lead as they entered the half time break.

That cushion was enough for the Maroons to cruise to the win in the second half.

"This is a big win for us, not only as far as the standings are concerned but as far as fighting through the middle of it. Grinding it out, looking for ways how we can hold off the runs of FEU. We all know they're lacking their two big man and we all know what FEU is capable of," UP head coach Bo Perasol said.

Coach Bo on Paul Desiderio’s career high: The way he played, that’s the epitome of what we need to happen. Despite all the odds, he pushed through. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/90sulB0g1t

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) October 24, 2018

Perasol specifically praised Desiderio's performance in the game. "I have to make sure to commend Paul in his very hot start. It gave us the confidence, it gave us the feeling that we can do it. The way he played is just the epitome of what we need to happen. Despite of the odds, he pushed through," Perasol added.

"Last year ko 'to, so hindi ko iiwanan si Coach Bo na pangit ang ending namin. Kumbaga lalaban kami. Doon ako kumukuha ng lakas," Desiderio said on his career-high performance.

Perasol hopes Desiderio's hot shooting will be present throughout the rest of the season. "For me, I'm just waiting for that time that Paul is going to find his groove again. He had been working out not only in the game but in practices as well. When he found the confidence again, he just kept on shooting. I hope that it is going to stay there for the rest of the season."

UP big man Bright Akhuetie added 20 points, 11 rebounds while Juan Gomez de Liaño chipped in 19 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.

Brandey Bienes led the Tamaraws with 14 points.

With the win, UP and FEU are now tied at the fourth spot with 5-5.

UP will face the Adamson on Sunday while FEU will try to bounce back against De La Salle University on Saturday. —JST, GMA News

SCORES:

UP (95) - Desiderio - 31, Akhuetie - 20, Gomez De Liano, Juan - 19, Manzo - 11, Diego - 6, Gomez de Liano, Javi - 4, Jaboneta - 2, Gozum - 0, Vito - 0, Murell -0 , Lim -0, Prado - 0.

FEU (82) - Bienes - 14, Ebona - 13, Comboy - 12, Cani - 11, Inigo - 10, Escoto - 10, Ramirez - 5, Stockton - 3, Tuffin - 2, Parker - 2.