The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons managed to hold their ground against a determined De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in a thrilling UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament showdown.
The Fighting Maroons saw their established lead in the third quarter dwindle, but it was Gerry Abadiano's clutch mid-range jumper in the final minute that allowed them to escape with a narrow victory with a final score of 67-64 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
UP's victory over DLSU marked their sixth consecutive win, further solidifying their place at the top of the UAAP team standings. Meanwhile, La Salle, despite putting up a valiant fight, dropped to a 3-3 card, putting them on par with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Adamson Falcons.
Abadiano returned to the UP lineup after a two-game absence due to concussion protocols, making an immediate impact with a team-high 13 points and four rebounds.
The reigning Most Valuable Player, Malick Diouf, contributed 10 points and a whopping 18 rebounds. Alarcon also recorded 10 points and eight rebounds.
For the Green Archers, Mike Phillips had a stellar performance, notching 15 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.
Quiambao added 14 points and seven rebounds. However, La Salle was without Evan Nelle, who was sidelined due to a quad contusion.
The game reached its climax when Abadiano buried the go-ahead jumper, putting UP up 65-63 with just over a minute left. Reyland Torres sealed the victory with a pair of crucial free throws, and a steal by CJ Cansino in the final moments ensured UP's triumph.
With this win, the UP Fighting Maroons are now just one victory away from sweeping the first round of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament, making them a team to watch in the upcoming games.
The Scores:
UP 67 – Abadiano 13, Alarcon 10, Diouf 10, Lopez 7, Cansino 7, Torres 7, Belmonte 7, Cagulangan 6, Felicilda 0, Alter 0, Torculas 0, Pablo 0, Gonzales 0.
DLSU 64 – M. Phillips 15, Quiambao 14, David 7, Manuel 7, Nwankwo 6, Nonoy 5, Austria 5, Abadam 2, Macalalag 2, Policarpio 1, B. Phillips 0, Escandor 0, Gollena 0.
