2OT CLASSIC OPENER AS UE RED WARRIORS STRUCK LIGHTING TOWARDS THE SAN BEDA RED LIONS

LIGHTNING was the name of the game as University of the East Red Warriors beat San Beda University Red Lions 117-102. The Red Warriors dominated almost all aspect of this match-up. Although do not let the score fool you, as the ever-valiant Red Lions have primarily controlled the game in the first half, unfortunately for the Lions, Paul “Kid Lightning” Artadi have turned back time, and struck a monster performance to cancel out San Beda’s Richie Melencio.

The Red Warriors needed two overtimes to close out the mighty Red Lions as the opener for this season's Pinoyliga Cup Inter-Alumni Division proves to be a classic as no one gives an inch to its opponent and wanted to win this one.  

The Red Warriors are up by 9 in the last 3:31 minute of play after a Ronald Tubid three-pointer but San Beda's power duo of Ricci Melencio and Shintaro Dela Cruz pumped life to their squad and tied the game as regulation ends on a tie. Artadi carried the Warriors in the first overtime against Melencio, Dela Cruz and Britt Reroma while Ronald Tubid came to life in the 2nd OT to help Artadi get the job done.

Paul Artadi proved that father time have not yet caught him. The former PBA star finished the game with 46 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals and hitting 7 three pointers. His timely daggers kept the Red Lions at bay to secure the victory for the UE Red Warriors in the fourth quarter and OT. Artadi was supported by his long-time pal, and teammate Ronald Tubid, who contributed 27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

The Red Lions was led by Richie Melencio with 38 points 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Followed by Shintaro Dela Cruz, who contributed 20 points 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and a block to ease the pain of defeat for the Red Lions.

Box Score:

UE 117 - Aratadi 46, Tubid 27, Zuniga 12, Lim 5, Ortega 6, Butil 4. Cruz 5, Baquiran 4, Feguiroa 3, Madalano 2, Soto 3,

SAN BEDA 102 - Melencio 38, Dela Cruz 20, Reroma 8, Capistrano 9, Agarao 5, Medina 9, Oliveros 9, Manalo 2, Cristobal 2