Finally a Final Four Win
By Paolo S. Mariano
20 September 2009 12:30 AM
Back in 1998, University of the East (UE) head coach Lawrence Chongson was busy playing in various commercial leagues, trying to make a living as a young basketball player. Meanwhile, UE star guard Paul Lee, then a nine-year-old, was still busy with the demands of school and the expectations of adolescence.
The year 1998 was also the last time UE won a Final Four Game.
Fortunately for the red-wearing hopefuls, that 11-year spell, the longest in UAAP history, was finally broken yesterday after the Red Warriors scored a rousing 84-74 win over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in their semifinal match-up to stay alive in Season 72 of the UAAP.
Of history and irony
When the 1998 trivia was brought up to Chongson minutes after their victory, the relieved long-locked mentor was genuinely surprised.
“Noong 1998 pa (huling nanalo)? Kahit sila James Yap hindi nanalo?” asked Chongson. “Ang tagal na pala.”
It was a long time ago, indeed. One U.S. Dollar was still equivalent to P41.9, one liter of gasoline only cost P11.4, Joseph Estrada was just a rookie president, Bill Clinton was in the middle of the Monica Lewinsky fiasco, Titanic sank the competition at the Academy Awards, and every girl had an *NSYNC poster on her room.
Ironically, the last time UE scored a Final Four win was over FEU as well. The Tamaraws also had the twice-to-beat incentive and the Red Warriors rolled to an 81-68 drubbing in their first encounter. FEU, however, eventually won the match-up after taking the do-or-die game, 83-61.
Erasing the stigma
The past three seasons have been painful for the Red Warriors as they experienced frustrating losses in the Final Four—all dealt by eventual champions. That’s not counting the infamous Jec Chia buzzer beater in 2002.
Last year, they were easily booted out by Ateneo de Manila University. In 2007, they were defeated by De La Salle University in the Finals despite sweeping the elimination round with a 14-0 record. In 2006, they were sent packing by University of Sto. Tomas despite holding the twice-to-beat advantage.
With those bitter defeats in mind, the now 20-year-old Lee, who was part of the 2007 and 2008 rosters, wants nothing more but to erase the stigma of yesteryears.
“Maraming nagsasabi na kinakapos lagi ang UE sa huli. Gusto kong matigil na ‘yung ganoong (assumption),” Lee told uaapsports.com.
Changing of the guard
Looking back at that 1998 win, UE was then spearheaded by the prolific Aldwyn Manubag and workhorse Leo Villar. On the other hand, FEU was led by star point guard Celino Cruz and do-it-all forwards Edwin Bacani and Marc Victoria.
Fast forward today, both teams have found their new heroes. For UE, Lee has worn the Superman cape all season long. He led the Red Warriors in their spell-breaking game with a career-high 26 points, including six rainbow connections and 14 of UE’s last 16 markers. The Recto-based squad also had ample support from the graduating Pari Llagas, who finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
“Naging frustrating na ‘yung unang dalawang taon ko (sa UAAP). Ngayong third year na ‘ko, pipilitin ko na talagang manalo,” said Lee, who was named to this season’s Mythical Five.
“Masaya ako dahil nanalo kami pero hindi pa rin panahon para mag-celebrate,” Llagas added. “Dobleng effort ang ibibigay ko sa Thursday kasi baka huling laro ko na ‘yun sa UAAP.”
Another milestone?
While it may be too early for a celebration, the Red Warriors have every reason to be positive. For 11 years, they failed to win in the Final Four. Yesterday, they finally did.
But one win is nothing when you have a twice-to-beat disadvantage. Since the format was implemented in 1994, the Red Warriors have yet to win a Final Four series. On Thursday, they will have the chance.
“Hopefully, it’s our time to win,” Chongson said.
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