PAUL Desiderio buried seven of 10 three-pointers to complete his 41-point output and lead the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to an 87-79 upset victory over defending champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-De La Salle University (TRMH-DLSU) Green Archers in their 80th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament that draw a capacity crowd at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center Sunday evening.
The Green Archers led the match, 29-21, at the end of the first period but three-point specialist Desiderio fueled a 7-0 run to tie the game at 29-all in the first three minutes of the second frame.
A series of deadlocks and lead changes then ensued until Desiderio stepped up like a man possessed, drilling four consecutive treys in the third quarter with no answer coming from the Green Archers who only leaned on Ben Mbala's 19 baskets.
The UP Fighting Maroons secured a solid lead and never looked back.
Desiderio, in an interview with VoxPop Davao, said it would be a privilege to play again in Davao City and would always grab the opportunity to comeback if given a chance.
"Gustong-gusto kong bumalik dito kasi sobrang ganda ng experience. Sana makalaro pa ako dito ulit bago ako ga-graduate next year, (I really want to return here because it is such a great experience, Hopefully, I can play again before I graduate next year)" said Desiderio who was named the finals most valuable player (MVP).
Desiderio, who was mobbed by fans for photo opportunities, added that he has been practicing his shooting accuracy and his seven triples was not a surprise.
"Matagal ko na po talagang pinag-praktisan ‘yung three-point shooting ko. Laking tuwa lang at nagamit ko dito," the MVP said.
Bright Akhuetie canned 12 points while Diegeo Dario added 11 points for the Fighting Maroons who also eked out a 79-73 win against DLSU in the elimination round.
Davao City-based Montaña Pawnshop, meanwhile, tamed the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 91-83, in the cagefest presented by the Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office and sanctioned by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
The champion took home P100,000 while the next three placers received P60,000, P40,000 and P30,000, respectively.