MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons squandered a double-digit fourth-quarter lead but delivered in the clutch to escape with a thrilling 80-76 victory over De La Salle University Green Archers in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Veejay Pre and UAAP debutant Elliot Dimaculangan came through with crucial plays down the stretch as the Fighting Maroons survived a furious La Salle comeback to snap their two-game losing streak and improve to a 3-2 win-loss record.
Rey Remogat spearheaded UP’s offense with 20 points, while Pre contributed 19 markers. Dimaculangan made an immediate impact in his first UAAP appearance, finishing with 11 points, including vital free throws in the closing moments.
The Fighting Maroons appeared headed for a comfortable victory after dominating the opening half, establishing a 24-17 first-quarter advantage before tightening their defense to outscore the Green Archers, 18-11, in the second period for a commanding 42-28 halftime lead.
La Salle began mounting its comeback after the break, unleashing a 25-21 third-quarter run to cut into UP’s advantage and keep the contest within striking distance entering the final frame.
The Fighting Maroons still enjoyed a seemingly comfortable 70-59 cushion in the fourth quarter, but the Green Archers refused to surrender, staging a furious rally to seize a 73-72 lead and threaten to complete a stunning turnaround.
UP, however, regained its composure when Pre delivered a crucial basket to wrest back the advantage before Dimaculangan calmly converted free throws to help preserve the hard-earned victory.
The defeat dropped La Salle to a 3-3 record despite a balanced scoring effort led by Jan Macalalag with 17 points and Luis Pablo with 14. Andrei Dungo contributed 12 markers, while Jacob Cortez added 10.
Meanwhile, Adamson University Falcons also survived a late scare, holding off University of the East Red Warriors, 71-64, to secure their third victory in five outings.
The Falcons established a commanding first-half advantage but had to withstand a determined third-quarter fightback by the Red Warriors before sealing the victory.
Ray Allen Torres powered Adamson with 17 points, while Precious Jonah contributed 14 markers and Matt Erolon chipped in 12. Earl Medina and Matthew Montebon provided additional firepower with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Toper Lagat carried the offensive load for UE with a game-high 22 points, while DJ Robles added 12 markers.
The loss extended the Red Warriors’ miserable start to the season as they remained winless through six games./PN
