HoopWatch

The University of the East Red Warriors have swept the 70th season of the UAAP, via a 92-84 overtime win over the Dela Salle University Green Archers. And this win, another Warrior emerged as the hero. Hans Thiele, the seldom used forward, came up big in this ballgame, scoring a career-high 16 points and grabbed another career-high 16 rebounds. What was more impressive was Thiele had nine offensive boards, which, time and again, bailed out UE’s shooters.

The Red Warriors will go directly to the Finals, and will await the winner of the step-ladder format. Earlier, defending champions UST lost to FEU. They will have a play-off game for fourth place this Monday.

The win would not have been possible if not for a big shot from forward Mark Fampulme. He squared-off for the jumper over an unsuspecting PJ Walsham. It was the game’s turning point, with UE leading by five with a few seconds remaining.