After scoring a total of 10 points in his first three UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball games, University of the East’s Dray Caoile waxed hot for the Red Warriors against University of Santo Tomas Saturday.
Caoile had 15 points in the first quarter, and had 20 at the half. But with the Growling Tigers’ defense firmly focused on him, he finished with 23 markers in the 111-99 UE loss.
The defeat dropped the Red Warriors to a 0-4 win-loss record.
After the game, Caoile, a one-and-done guard for UE, said that while he was happy with his offensive outburst, his focus remains on getting a victory.
‘It definitely always feels good to have the shot going and playing with confidence but ultimately, I want to win, so that’s the only thing that bothers me,’ he said.
‘It feels good to have a good game,’ he added.
Prior to this game, Caoile scored four points twice in his first three games. Against University of the Philippines on September 28, he had two markers.
Through three starts, he averaged 3.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on 29.4% shooting.
Against UST, though, Caoile shot 7-of-12 from the floor, had four assists, four rebounds and two steals.
‘It felt good. I mean, the shot was just falling. Shout out to my guys for just keep finding me. Hit one, just kept playing. Didn’t really think too much,’ he said.
Caoile underscored that he will continue to ‘keep playing his game’ and try to build on his best UAAP contest thus far.
‘Just keep being aggressive, keep making plays. When the ball comes to me, just take my shot, take a pass,’ he said.
‘[I will] just do what I can to help the team win. That’s scoring, that’s playmaking, rebounding, defense, whatever it is to win these games,’ he added.
Still, the goal remains the same – get a win and start rolling this season.
‘It’s definitely not where we want to be, but just take every loss as a lesson. Go back to film, go back to the drawing board, go back to practice,’ he stated.
‘And, I think we’ll make our run on the wins column soon.’
While Caoile had his career game, John Abate spearheaded UE with 27 points on 12-of-21 shooting. Precious Momowei had a monster double-double of 16 markers and 15 boards, while Mo Tanedo had 11 points.
Despite these stellar plays, it was not enough against the balanced UST team led by Nic Cabanero, who had 22 markers and eight dimes. Forthsky Padrigao and Collins Akowe chipped in 18 points apiece, while Amiel Acido and Mark Llemit had 11 each.
UE will try to grab its maiden win of the season on October 11 against Adamson at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.