MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons erased a 13-point second-half deficit and survived a furious late challenge from Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 69-67, to forge a three-way tie for the lead in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Facing a 35-48 deficit midway through the third quarter, the Fighting Maroons mounted a determined comeback behind Rey Remogat and a balanced offensive attack to snatch their fourth victory in six outings.
UP steadily chipped away at Adamson’s advantage before James Payosing delivered a crucial basket that pushed the Fighting Maroons ahead, 64-62, in the closing minutes.
The Fighting Maroons then took advantage of Adamson’s missed opportunities, with Remogat drilling a timely three-pointer before Gani Stevens scored inside to stretch their lead to 69-62 with just over a minute remaining.
The Soaring Falcons threatened to steal the game with a late rally, but UP held its ground to escape with the two-point victory.
Remogat spearheaded the Fighting Maroons with 14 points, while Dikachi Udodo contributed 13 markers. Veejay Pre added 12 points and Miguel Yniguez chipped in 11.
The hard-earned victory improved UP’s record to 4-2, tying the Fighting Maroons with Far Eastern University Tamaraws and National University Bulldogs atop the standings.
Matt Edding carried Adamson with 15 points, while Precious Jonah contributed 11. Matt Erolon and Matthew Montebon finished with 10 points apiece as the Soaring Falcons slipped to an even 3-3 record.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers staged their own second-half resurgence to stun FEU, 81-69, and snap a two-game losing skid.
The Growling Tigers overcame a 28-41 halftime deficit with a blistering third-quarter assault led by Andrew Chio, Mark Llemit and Amiel Acido, turning the contest around to seize a 56-46 advantage.
The Tamaraws refused to surrender, however, as Luke Felipe knocked down a three-pointer in the fourth quarter to regain the lead, 60-59.
Both squads subsequently traded baskets and exchanged leads before Mo Konateh drilled a triple to forge a 69-all deadlock.
UST eventually seized control of the closing stretch, scoring the game’s final 12 points to complete the comeback and deal FEU its second defeat.
Llemit powered the Growling Tigers with 18 points, including 12 in the second half, while Akowe dominated the boards with a double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds.
Rookie Chio delivered a career-high 14 points, while Acido contributed 12 as UST improved to 3-3.
Konateh finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds for FEU, while Jorick Bautista added 14 markers and Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 12.
The defeat dropped the Tamaraws to 4-2, leaving them tied with UP and NU at the top of the standings./PN
