The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons advanced to their fourth straight UAAP men’s basketball finals after defeating the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 78-69, in the Season 87 Final Four on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fighting Maroons Rally to Dominate Second Half
Despite trailing 35-33 at halftime, UP surged in the third quarter with a decisive 15-4 run, turning a 40-all deadlock into their largest lead at 55-44. The Fighting Maroons outscored UST 24-15 in the period, entering the fourth quarter ahead 57-50.
In the final quarter, UP maintained control, capitalizing on UST’s missteps, including Forthsky Padrigao’s ejection after committing a second unsportsmanlike foul.
A late 6-0 rally sealed the victory for UP, even as UST’s Christian Manaytay briefly reignited his team’s hopes with a clutch three-pointer that trimmed the deficit to 72-64 with 2:35 left.
Key Performances
Francis Lopez and Harold Alarcon each scored 16 points to lead UP, while Reyland Torres added 13. Quentin Millora-Brown anchored the defense, pulling down 19 rebounds along with 9 points, four blocks, and three assists.
For UST, Kyle Paranada, Nic Cabañero, and Gelo Crisostomo scored 12 points apiece, while Christian Manaytay contributed with timely plays late in the game.
Finals Showdown Awaited
With this win, UP awaits the winner of the Final Four matchup between the top-seeded De La Salle University Green Archers and the Adamson University Falcons.
The Fighting Maroons continue their quest for another championship, making their fourth consecutive finals appearance a testament to their dominance in recent UAAP seasons.