MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons survived a furious fourth quarter run by the University of the East Red Warriors for a 78-75 escape in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After seeing its 17-point edge cut to 67-69 with two minutes left, the Fighting Maroons made it 76-69 via a three-pointer by Kobe Paras and a layup by Juan Gomez de Liano.
The Red Warriors made its last push by chopping the deficit to five but a putback by Bright Akhuetie followed by free throws from Jun Manzo allowed the Fighting Maroons to escape with the win.
Akhuetie finished with double-double 18 points and 14 rebounds while Manzo and Paras chipped in 17 and 14 markers, respectively. The Fighting Maroons improved to 6-3 slate.
In the first game, the Adamson University Falcons waxed hot in the fourth quarter to score a 72-53 victory over National University Bulldogs and finally put an end to its four-game losing skid.
Rookie Adrian Manlapaz served as the fire starter for the Falcons in their fourth quarter onslaught. He poured 10 of his 14 points for the Falcons’ huge finish and rose to a 4-6 slate.
Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Falcons with 15 points on a 3-of-8 clip from threes. Simon Camacho registered 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists while Lenda Douanga racked a double-double of 11 points, 15 boards, and three blocks./PN
