July 14, 2011; State U over the hump

The Balara-based squad finally came of with a W to kick off their campaign in this year's UAAP Season 74 Men's Basketball Tournament after they trounce the UE Red Warriors, 69-61 this afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum.

This marks their first win since August 22, 2009, where they beat the De La Salle Green Archers via the tune of 83-78.

Returning point guard Mike Gamboa was awarded the Best Player honors. The former high school MVP scored the game-high 19 points, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Maroons took advantage of the Warriors' youth and its new head coach Jerry Codinera. Paul Zamar tried to rally his team in the 4th quarter, but he wasn't able to have enough support from his young teammates.

The Red Warriors are now in the rebuilding process after losing the likes of Kenneth Acibar and Paul Lee during the off-season after they've finish their tour of duty as a UAAP player.

Meanwhile, in the first game, the UST Growling Tigers escaped a 73-72 overtime thriller against the revamped NU Bulldogs.

Point guard Jeric Fortuna led the way for the Tigers with the game-high 23 points, 19 coming from the second half and 6 from the extra session.

The debut of the highly-touted Bobby Parks, Jr. wasn't that big, scoring just 16 points on 5/20 from the field, along with 9 boards.

This coming Saturday at 11AM, the Adamson Soaring Falcons will try to take their first win against the FEU Tamaraws. The main game at 3PM will feature the age-long rivalry between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers.

So there you have it! You guys have just been fed!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here...:)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)