THE University of the Philippines proved that they could surpass their three-win total last year after successfully beating the National University, 71-66 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite a double-digit deficit, 21-10 in the first period, UP rallied and closed in the gap at the end of the first half to 31-29. By the second half, UP was able to turn the game around and took the lead in the third, 45-41.
NU standout J-jay Alejandro helped the Bulldogs end their 14-point deficit in the fourth, as he dropped 10 straight points in the final four minutes of the game, but it was not enough to stop the Fighting Maroons from claiming the victory. Rookie Javi Gomez De Liano’s hit from the free throw line sealed the win for UP.
“We are happy we exceeded our three-game goal before the season. We have to give glory to God for this game,” said UP Coach Bo Perasol.
UP improved to a 4-8 win-loss record in the UAAP league standings and joined NU in fifth place below Adamson.
Graduating guard Jett Manuel led UP with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Gelo Vito stepped up his game with 15 points, while Gomez De Liano had 13 points. Paul Desiderio led UP with 13 rebounds and 11 points.
NU had their sixth straight loss despite Alejandro’s 23 points and Matthew Salem’s 12 points and seven rebounds.
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