MANILA – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons clinched the No. 2 seed in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball via a 71-68 escape from De La Salle University Green Archers at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Kobe Paras came up with a go-ahead dunk with 54.8 seconds left to give the Fighting Maroons a 70-68 lead before forcing Green Archers’ Encho Serrano to a turnover and a forced layup in the final minute.
Jun Manzo iced the victory for the Fighting Maroons with a split free throw with just two seconds left in the game to assure itself of a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals round.
Bright Akhuetie tallied 17 points, on top of 10 boards, two assists, and two steals while Manzo contributed 11 points, eight assists, and five rebounds.
The Fighting Maroons improved to 9-4 in the standings.
Ricci Rivero also posted a season-high 12 points, five rebounds, and two dimes, as Paras got 10 points and four rebounds to keep his streak of scoring in double figures in his every game this season.
“How could we disappoint our community who came here in throngs, who have been supporting us all through the season,” said Maroons head coach Bo Perasol. “I mentioned to the guys that you’re not just fighting for our position but also fighting for our survival as well.”
Jamie Malonzo finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Aljun Melecio and Justine Baltazar added 12 and 10 markers, respectively, as the Green Archers bowed out of Final Four contention with its 6-7 record./PN
