By Jun Ray Navarres
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons reaffirmed their mastery over the league-leading, National University, with a hard-fought 78-74 victory to open the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament second round on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Senior guard Harold Alarcon stepped up for UP, dropping a game-high 24 points, including a crucial 11 in the final period, to steer the Maroons to a vital win and complete a season elimination round sweep of the Bulldogs.
“As a senior sa team, kailangan lang ng composure so ‘yun ‘yung naibigay ko sa team. Makita nila na ‘yung senior nila composed and parang hawa-hawa na ‘yan kapag ganon,” said the graduating guard from Silay.
UP came out firing and wasted no time to enjoy a 22-6 cushion after the first quarter and holding a 41-29 advantage at the half.
However, the Bulldogs, playing one of their best seasons in UAAP, staged a furious comeback led by the all-around brilliance of Jake Figueroa, who finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Alpha Bulldog scored two power moves inside the paint to help NU trim the deficit to just two points, 57-55, just a minute and a half after the start of the final frame.
Yet, the pride of Diliman immediately retaliated to extend the lead back to seven, 67-60 halfway in the fourth quarter.
NU tried to stage a late game counter but Alarcon stood tall for the Fighting Maroons, hitting a key midrange jumper late in the game and calmly sinking four straight free throws in the last few seconds to seal the win.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung strong start namin and that’s been rare for us not only in the UAAP but the whole year, whether it’s a tuneup game or a regular game,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon. “Our defense was able to hold up until the end. Got to give it to NU, there’s a reason why they’re the number one team.”
Rey Remogat and Reyland Torres provided ample support for UP, chipping in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
For the Bulldogs, Paul Francisco and PJ Palacielo also scored in double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The victory, a repeat of their first-round conquest over NU, elevates UP to a solo third place in the standings with a 5-3 record. The Sampaloc representatives, despite the loss, remain at the top spot with a 6-2 slate.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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