MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons broke away from second quarter onwards to smother Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 75-47, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Francis Lopez spearheaded the offense with 20 points to go with five rebounds, one assist, a steal, and a block, while Quentin Millora-Brown added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Fighting Maroons.
With their third straight victory to start the second round of eliminations, the Fighting Maroons improved to a 9-1 win-loss slate, just a game behind league-leader De La Salle University Green Archers, 10-1.
From a slim 17-15 lead after the opening quarter, the Fighting Maroons outscored the Blue Eagles in the second quarter, 22-13, before pulling away for good in the second half as the lead reached as high as 30 points.
“I think what’s important is that everyone is on the same page, regardless of their minutes inside, long or short,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said after the game. “Basta prepare lang (mga players), ‘yung mindset namin.”
Chris Koon top-scored for the Blue Eagles with nine points, while Shawn Tuano added eight markers off the bench as they suffered their eighth defeat in 11 matches.
Meanwhile, Adamson University Falcons leaned on a huge fourth quarter breakaway to defeat University of the East Red Warriors, 45-37, and remain in contention for a Final Four seat.
Matty Erolon and AJ Fransman top scored for the Falcons with 14 points apiece, while Cedrick Manzano added a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds as they improved to a 4-7 record.
“We are where we wanna be. We’re just a game behind UST for No. 4. That’s what we wanted, para lang magka-legit chance kami. We’ll just keep on pushing,” said Falcons head coach Nash Racela.
Precious Momowei tallied 12 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Red Warriors, which remained in third spot with a 6-4 win-loss card./PN
