University of the East is known as a team who is always a contender. They have been in the final four for a long time but they have never won a championship since time in memorial. They always finish strong during the eliminations but somehow fades in the Final Four. The James Yap era is a big disappointment because they certainly had the best team (in terms of line-up) that year. And who beat them? Anyone remember Jec Chia? The 14-0 season is certainly another disappointment as they were upset by the Green Archers in the finals. This year, however, is a different season. There were no predictions that they would make it to the finals. This year was already preordained as an Ateneo-FEU finals. But UE have different plans, and particularly their player named Paul Lee.
In their encounter last Saturday against the FEU Tamaraws, it was both Paul's show. Apparently, Paul Sanga and Paul Lee engaged in a shootout and it was a hell of a game to watch. Paul Sanga shot the lights out and tried to will his team to victory. 6-11 3pt FG and most of them were coming of the screens while falling down. He finished with 22pts and unfortunately could not sustain his gallant effort because of cramps. And that is where the other Paul took over. Paul Lee wasn't shooting the ball well from close range. It was too close for him. Too easy. He hit 6 threes in the 4th quarter (including one over riel cervantes, one from the parking lot and one from the mrt station) and the Tamaraws had no answer, no Mark Barroca.
Paul Lee's performance reminded me of Lebron James in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Match-up against Detroit. He just would not allow his team to lose. No Final Four breakdown anymore. Paul Lee dominated the game with his 26pts, 8 rebs and 7 ast. He had this look in his face that says "Why can't I miss??" and I'm sure the Tamaraws were asking themselves the same queston. He was in the zone, on a roll, unconcious, on fire, crazy, insane, hot and all other superlatives you can think of. It should be illegal for someone to be this good. It just isn't fair. But that what a superstar brings to a team. They can provide whatever the team is lacking and they win ballgames. And that is what Paul Lee is to the University of the East.
**Hats off to Pari Llagas (19pts, 12 rebs) and Val Acuna (17pts 5-103pts FG) for their consistent numbers.
Go Fight Red and White!
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correction.. Val Acuna (17pts 5-10 3pts FG)
ReplyDeleteThis guy just finds a way to include Lebron James or the Cavs in his works. The low expectations definitely helped this team this year and maybe Coach Lawrence will be the lucky charm for this UE team.
ReplyDeleteYou can laugh now but i'll have the last laugh when the cavs win this year's NBA championship. hahaha! Paul Lee and Val Acuna also benefitted a lot from the free-wheeling offense of Coach Lawrence with Pari Llagas and Elmer Espiritu cleaning up the mess. And UE does not have to expend all their energy now on the full court press unlike when Dindo was their coach... and i think it made them better offensively but not too weak defensively.
ReplyDeleteIm looking forward to thursday's showdown between the 2 team's however I think it wouldn't be this easy for UE to find the bottom of the net. UE was on fire by law of statistics this would tend to balance out in the end. Well for entertainment purposes I hope it would happen too soon so that someone can give Ateneo a run for their money. Nothing against Ateneo but its their team isn't just that appealling because they're too darn good.
ReplyDeleteFor FEU. The presence of a leader that can carry this team is really needed right now. Not just a vocal leader but a go to guy that can fill the void that Andy left. If this game goes the distnance. I don't think FEU has a guy with enough swagger that can get them past the hump.