UE snaps 30-game UAAP misery in win over Adamson

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The monkey is finally off UE’s back.

After 742 days and more than two years, the University of the East Red Warriors finally tasted UAAP victory once again, ending their 30-game losing streak with an impressive 53-47 win over the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the ongoing Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Nov. 7, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Before the breakthrough, the Red Warriors last entered the UAAP win column on Oct. 26, 2024, against the National University Bulldogs during the elimination round of Season 87.

However, that victory proved to be their last as the Red Warriors concluded Season 87 with a losing streak, followed by an embarrassing 0-14 campaign in Season 88.

UE’s confidence was once again tested after opening Season 89 with two consecutive losses, prompting a coaching change when chief tactician Chris Gavina stepped down and was replaced by former PBA player Paulo Hubalde.

Hubalde’s campaign didn’t kick off on a high note as UE lost eight consecutive games under his leadership and was eliminated early from UAAP Final Four contention.

Despite the early exit, Hubalde and the rest of the Red Warriors management had one final wish before Season 89’s elimination round concluded.

Grab a win.

UE immediately pounced on Adamson, building a 10-point lead in the first quarter, 21-11, but the Soaring Falcons fought back in the next two quarters, courtesy of Manu Anabo’s offensive resurgence.

With a chip on their shoulders and an eagerness to end their two-year nightmare, the Red Warriors put on a defensive masterclass to stun the Soaring Falcons, limiting them to just three fourth-quarter points, tied for the second-lowest scoring output in a single quarter in UAAP history.

Entering the final quarter with only a two-point lead, UE saved the best for last after putting Adamson in a chokehold during the final 10 minutes of the game.

UE’s lockdown defense held Adamson scoreless for more than seven consecutive minutes, with Matt Erolon becoming the only Soaring Falcon to score in the fourth quarter after hitting a 3-pointer with 2:48 remaining.

Although the Red Warriors also struggled with their shooting efficiency, their defensive performance alone proved enough to help them return to the UAAP win column.

Toper Lagat spearheaded UE’s momentum-boosting win, filling the stat sheet with 14 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Mo Tañedo matched his scoring output with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord sa ibinigay na panalo sa amin,” Hubalde said after UE’s streak-busting victory.

“I give credit to these boys. It was a very, very long time coming. Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na just give your heart out; it’s the way I played back in the day, and it’s showing now. I have no words. Ganito pala feeling pag nanalo, Boys?”