MANILA – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons reclaimed their championship form and ended Ateneo de Manila University’s unbeaten streak with a commanding 83-69 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Behind a breakout performance from Francis Nnoruka, the Maroons stamped their authority on both ends, dismantling the Blue Eagles’ defense and sending a clear message that they remain the team to beat this season. Nnoruka fired 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and tallied four steals in a near double-double effort.
“Francis just took over,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. “We wanted to match Ateneo’s intensity and play to our strengths. Tonight, our composure and teamwork made the difference.”
Rey Remogat provided crucial support with 20 points, while Harold Alarcon added 17 as the Fighting Maroons secured their third straight victory, improving to 3-2.
The Maroons, who led by just two at halftime (40-38), exploded in the third quarter behind Nnoruka’s inside presence and Remogat’s perimeter accuracy to open a 17-point gap. Ateneo attempted a late comeback, cutting the lead to 53-66, but UP quickly doused the rally with back-to-back baskets from Nnoruka inside.
For Ateneo, Shawn Tuano top-scored with 17 points, Kymani Ladi added 15, and Dom Escobar was held to only four as the Blue Eagles absorbed their first loss for a 4-1 record.
In the earlier game, the National University Bulldogs leaned on Jake Figueroa’s clutch heroics to edge Adamson University, 56-54. Figueroa delivered 17 points and sank key baskets in the dying minutes, including the go-ahead shot and game-sealing free throw, to push NU to 4-1./PN
