Tigers, Warriors take opener

University of the East held La Salle to its all-time low output yesterday, running away with a poignant 65-46 win as the 72nd UAAP season came off the wraps at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Warriors played with a heavy heart following the death of their long-time board representative, Bren Perez. But it didn’t show on the court as they pulled off the lopsided victory.

The Archers, champions in 2007, looked like fumbling high school players ranged against a collegiate squad as they were held to their lowest output since a 52-70 loss to FEU in 2004.

Perez reportedly died of a massive heart attack the other night. He must have smiled from above as the Warriors whipped the Archers who rarely lose an opening game in the UAAP.

The victory also served as a warm welcome for new UE coach Lawrence Chongson who came in to replace Dindo Pumaren, now with his elder brother, Franz Pumaren, at the La Salle bench.

Ex-pro Jerry Codiñera came close to landing the job vacated by Pumaren, but Lucio Tan Jr., the school owner, wanted Chongson, a La Salle alumnus and UE assistant coach in 2000.

“This game was for Bren. This season will be for Bren,” said Chongson.

Pari Llagas had 15 points and six rebounds for UE while Paul Lee showed what he can do with his 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Elmer Espiritu manned the paint with 14 rebounds.

La Salle looked lost right from the start, with just nine points and a handful turnovers in the opening quarter. Obviously it missed the leadership qualities of a JV Casio or Rico Maierhofer who have both graduated.

The loss put a dark cloud over La Salle’s readiness to face the tougher challenges from title favorites Ateneo, last year’s champion, and FEU, this year’s host. Still, it doesn’t mean La Salle can be counted out.

The new season got off to a blazing start with a program combining traditional and modern numbers. There was a good crowd that included US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

In the opener, Santo Tomas just got lucky to get away with a 76-75 win over Adamson as the Tigers notched the important first win that could get their drive going this year.

The Falcons had plenty of chances to win but just couldn’t make the shots in the end. When the final buzzer sounded, UST coach Pido Jarencio could only sigh as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Good game,” Jarencio told his counterparts from Adamson as they shook hands at midcourt. Later on, inside the pressroom, he said he was happy with the win.

“In a way I’m satisfied with the way my boys played. I’m sure the improvement will come in our next games,” said Jarencio, who led the Tigers to the UAAP crown in 2006.