Warrior sophomore Paul Lee played his best game in his young career scoring 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and help beat back to back NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions to capture the 2008 Fil-Oil crown last June 14, 2008. Lee, who was sidelined for three weeks by a sprained ankle injury, highlighted his brilliant performance with five triples capping a 19-9 UE run to take the lead at 66-59 in the fourth quarter.
“We badly needed our outside shots to go in because of the tight interior defense San Beda is applying” said UE coach Dindo Pumaren.
Because of their smaller line-up, the locals used their speed to weave through the defense of the Lions. Hans Thiele did a good job of controlling Sam Ekwe, San Beda’s Nigerian behemoth, and going after loose balls. He finished the game with a double-double performance, 16 points and 11 rebounds. Veterans James Martinez and Marcy Arellano did their usual damages, chipping-in 13 and 9 points respectively.
It was a day to remember for the Warriors’ slam dunk champion Elmer Espiritu as he earned his first Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) in recognition of his vital role to the team in claiming the 2008 Fil-Oil crown and was eventually named to the Mythical team.
The win and the title serve as a big boost for the Warriors campaign in the upcoming UAAP cage wars. The organizers of the league awarded the Red Warriors P300, 000 as their prize for being this year’s champion.
Notes:
24 hours later, the Warriors almost won another title at the Nike Summer League but lost to a miracle shot before the time expired and went home with the runner up, not bad for a team which won a title a day before.
The Scores:
UE – Lee 24, Thiele 16, Martinez 13, Arellano 9, Bandaying 8, Lingganay 4, Espiritu 2, Llgas 2, Etrone 2, Tagarda 1, Zamar 0, Duran 0, Reyes 0, Alabanza 0, Acuña 0
San Beda – Ekwe 17, Gamalinda 17, Hermida 13, Menor 6, Tirona 4, Lanete 2, Tecson 2, Marcelo 2, Taupa 2
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