University of the Philippines staved off National University’s relentless comeback bid to secure a 78-74 win and bounce back in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Wednesday.
Harold Alarcon turned in his best performance of the season with 24 points, four assists, and three rebounds to lead the Fighting Maroons.
The graduating guard calmly sank all four of his free throws in the final seconds to seal the win for UP.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung strong start namin and that’s been rare for us not only in the UAAP but the whole year, whether it’s a tuneup game or a regular game,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
“Our defense was able to hold up until the end. Got to give it to NU, there’s a reason why they’re the number one team.”
The victory also gave UP a head-to-head elimination round sweep of NU, having previously won 66-59 in the first round.
Coming off a tough loss to modern-day rival De La Salle University, the Fighting Maroons improved to 5-3 for solo third place, keeping themselves within striking distance of the 6-2 Bulldogs.
UP came out firing with a dominant 22-6 opening quarter, but NU clawed back in the middle periods, cutting the deficit to six entering the final frame, 56-50.
The Bulldogs trimmed the gap to just two early in the fourth, 57-55, but that was as close as they could get.
The Fighting Maroons held firm behind Alarcon’s poise and late-game composure to hold off the league leaders.
“As a senior sa team, kailangan lang ng composure so ‘yun ‘yung naibigay ko sa team. Makita nila na ‘yung senior nila composed and parang hawa-hawa na ‘yan kapag ganon,” said Alarcon.
Rey Remogat added 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists for UP, while Reyland Torres chipped in 10 points and five boards.
UP returns to action on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion against the streaking Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Jake Figueroa led NU with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Paul Francisco had 13 points and five steals.
PJ Palacielo added 11 points but only managed one rebound in the loss.
The Bulldogs will try to bounce back on Sunday when they face the struggling Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
The Scores:
UP (78) – Alarcon 24, Remogat 11, Torres 10, Stevens 7, Fortea 6, Bayla 6, Nnoruka 5, Abadiano 4, Palanca 3, Belmonte 2, Alter 0, Yniguez 0.
NU (74) – Figueroa 18, Francisco 13, Palacielo 11, Parks 7, Manansala 6, John 5, Santiago 4, Garcia 4, Padrones 4, Enriquez 2, Dela Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Solomon 0.
Quarterscores: 22-6, 41-29, 56-50, 78-74.
