14 November 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – After 21 years, the University of the Philippines is back in the Final Four after overwhelming the De La Salle University, 97-81, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the Fighting Maroons improved to an 8-6 win-loss record, which is also their best record since they last played in the playoffs in 1997.
UP is currently tied with the Green Archers, but because of their higher quotient, the Fighting Maroons secured their place in the third spot.
La Salle seemed to be in control in the first quarter as Aljun Melecio’s sweet shooting gave the Green Archers a five-point cushion, 22-17.
But Juan Gomez De Liano answered with back-to-back triples followed by shots made by his brother Javi that boosted the Fighting Maroons for a 19-8 rally in the second quarter, 41-25.
La Salle tried to make a run in the second half, but they only managed to cut the lead to 16 points.
UP never put their guards down and continued moving forward with MVP frontrunner Bright Akhuetie leading the pack to victory lane.
Juan GDL paved the way for the Maroons with 27 points, four assists and three rebounds, while his brother Javi chipped in 19 markers that was built on five triples.
Akhuetie added a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double, while team captain Paul Desiderio had 10 markers, four boards, four dimes and two steals.
Justine Baltazar led La Salle with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Melecio added 19 points, six assists and three rebounds in the losing effort.
La Salle will have to play against the Far Eastern University in a playoff if the Tams win against Adamson University on Sunday.
A Tamaraw loss will let La Salle secure fourth place.
The Scores:
UP 97 – Ju. Gomez de Liaño 27, Ja. Gomez de Liaño 19, Akhuetie 16, Desiderio 10, Manzo 6, Jaboneta 5, Dario 5, Tungcab 3, Gozum 2, Lim 2, Prado 2, Murrell 0, Vito 0.
LA SALLE 81 – Baltazar 22, Melecio 19, Caracut 12, Samuel 8, Santillan 6, Montalbo 5, Serrano 5, Bates 2, Manuel 2, Dyke 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 25-17, 52-29, 75-54, 97-81
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