UE coach Chongson ready to accept fate after UAAP season

If ever coach Lawrence Chongson sees his last season as coach of University of the East, he believes that Thursday's win over defending champion Ateneo is a fitting parting gift for him. "(If) I'm going to exit after the season, at least try to go out with a bang and beating Ateneo for the last time would be a nice present," said Chongson. The Red Warriors kept their very slim Final Four hopes alive as they caught the Blue Eagles by surprise with a 62-60 victory at the Araneta Coliseum. James Martinez erupted with 22 points on a 6-of-10 shooting from three-point range as the Recto-based squad improved to a 4-7 slate. UE's win cut La Salle's deficit to just 2 1/2 games for the No. 4 spot. The Archers are toting a 6-4 slate after a 74-57 loss to Ateneo. For the Warriors to catch up, they will need to win all of their remaining matches against National University (August 29), La Salle (September 4) and University of the Philippines (September 11). At the same, they have to pray that the Archers and even closest pursuer NU to falter down the stretch. "I guess it's all or nothing for us," said Martinez. "We have to play every game like it's our last and hope that La Salle would lose their games." "We can still do it, I really believe that," said ace scorer Paul Lee, after UE shocked Adamson, 71-63, last week at the PhilSports Arena. UE started out with a dismal 0-4 record, drawing harsh criticisms from several quarters about Chongson's capabilities to steer this squad. "The (UE community) has shown their disgust (with our performance)," Chongson admitted after beating Ateneo. "I'm numb already. I even thought of quitting. But then again there's a job to be done and there's still a chance for redemption," he added. UE are 3-1 in the second round thanks to the rejuvenated performances of Martinez and center Ezer Rosopa, who finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in the Warriors' escape act over the Blue Eagles. The bald-headed big man has been a steady replacement to Sam Razon, whose season ended with an ACL injury during UE's second round game against University of Santo Tomas. - JVP, GMANews.TV