UP MARCHES ON TO FIFTH STRAIGHT FINALS AFTER GUTSY WIN VS UST

CHAMPIONS just find a way to win.

And the University of the Philippines proved it yet again.

The reigning titlists hacked out a pulsating 82-81 win to eliminate host University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Final Four on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Defense did the trick for the Fighting Maroons, with Francis Nnoruka snuffing out Nic Cabanero's drive late before Harold Alarcon played honest D against the Growling Tigers captain which led to a missed fadeaway.

The Diliman side then secured the leather and let the clock trickle down in the endgame to book a fifth straight trip to the championship series.

It's just the perfect follow-up after Terrence Fortea's go-ahead three at the 48.5 second mark gave State U the marginal one-point lead in this nip-and-tuck battle.

UP brand of basketball

Alarcon carried the torch for the maroon-and-green with 22 points and two rebounds, as Nnoruka also did damage with 19 points, nine boards, and three blocks.

Rey Remogat added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Fortea and Gerry Abadiano notched eight apiece.

UP now awaits its finals date, with National U and La Salle set to joust for the coveted spot on Saturday, still at the Big Dome.

"I'm very proud of the team. A team like UST, we know na hindi siya magiging madali for us, but seeing Terrence and Harold responding to the situation makes you proud of their efforts," said coach Goldwin Monteverde, who gets a chance to add to his lore, as the Fighting Maroons shoot for their first-ever back-to-back crowns.

Nic Cabanero went down swinging with 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists in his swansong for UST.

Gelo Crisostomo chimed in 15 points and seven boards, as presumptive Rookie of the Year Collins Akowe unfurled 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in the painful exit.

The Scores:

UP 82 – Alarcon 22, Nnoruka 19, Remogat 9, Fortea 8, Abadiano 8, Torres 5, Stevens 5, Alter 4, Yñiguez 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Belmonte 0.

UST 81 – Cabañero 24, Crisostomo 15, Akowe 11, Paranada 10, Padrigao 6, Llemit 6, Acido 4, Buenaflor 4, Estacio 1, Laure 0.

Quarters: 19-11, 43-36, 69-62, 82-81.

2025-12-03T12:15:11Z