UE DAWN/SPORTS

A dismal season for the Warriors

By Maria Raphaelle M. Basilio

The UE Red Warriors are performing unusual this season and playing a bit sluggish compared to their
past UAAP seasons. They wrapped up Season 78 with a 6-8 standing and this season, they are having a
hard time to get their third win.
Many are clueless on whats happening with the way the Warriors are playing. The only key player they
lost this season was their former team captain, Chris Javier. With the new additions to the team, they
expected to be playing fiercer since there were only minor changes in the lineup. But their performance
showed the opposite.
In season 78, UE was leading when it comes to steals per game with Bon Batiller having 2.33 average
steals. This season, the team is not even in the top five when it comes to steals.
Talking about freethrow percentage, Nick Abanto ranked second last season. No UE player placed in the
leading stats in the present season.
There are just some players that did not compete and players that competed. Players na inaasahan ko
were not able to deliver. Theyve been falling sa mga expectation ko and that is the sad part and that is
very disappointing, Head Coach Derrick Pumaren expressed his frustration.
The team is still having a hard time pinpointing whats happening on the team on why they are having a
difficulty in getting a win. Kahit ako hindi ko alam eh. Siguro di lang kami consistent lalo na ako di ko
ma-maintain yung maganda kong laro. Kaya siguro nahihirapan kaming manalo, Bonson Batiller
explained.
With only a few remaining games, Coach Derrick is still positive about the team, I dont want to
pressure them, but we still want to finish this season on a winning note.
In Season 78, as the UE Red Warriors lost their chance of entering the final four, they wrapped up their
season after winning against the UP Fighting Maroons. With also an unviable chance of entering the final
four this season, the Warriors are still battling to close their season in a respectable manner.