THE University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons were able to recover quickly after suffering their first loss at the end of the first round, escaping the vengeful University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.
Despite their desire to avenge their first-round defeat, the Growling Tigers fell short once more against the Fighting Maroons. UP rallied late in the fourth quarter to win 83-73 at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The Diliman-based squad received a welcome boost from their outgoing floor captain, JD Cagulangan, who returned after missing two consecutive games during the important parts in the first round of UAAP Season 87.
The fourth quarter squad
Harold Alarcon carried the momentum from his outstanding performance in their previous game, leading the scoring early with seven points, while high-flying Francis Lopez added seven points, including a huge transition slam.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
The España-based squad matched the opposing team’s energy, with Nic Cabañero, Mo Tounkara, and Christian Manaytay leading the production with 11, 10, and nine points each, tying at 43 in the first half.
The tight ball game shifted slightly in the third quarter in favor of UST, who led 62-59 at the conclusion thanks to Tounkara’s excellent play. Lopez led UP with a beautiful field goal, while Terrence Fortea nailed a crucial three.
Faced with a 61-65 disadvantage, the Fighting Maroons went berserk in the fourth quarter, dropping a hot 16-2 run to take a 77-67 lead with a few minutes left in the game clock.
Fortea led the way with a blistering hot performance, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half. He scored nine points in the fourth quarter, including a heart-stopping dagger with 40 seconds left to secure the win.
In ForTHREEa we trust
With this victory, UP is in second place in the standings with a 7-1 win-loss record, trailing only their title rivals, the DLSU Green Archers, who also have a 7-1 record. Win over the other applies, even if they have the same record.
Since the opening round, Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde has emphasized the importance of consistency. For a squad like UP, responding to each opponent’s challenge is critical.
“Being consistent with what we’ve always said in the first round – responding to the challenge at hand. Nung first half kasi we’ve been forcing UST’s shots, but then nako-control nila ‘yung offensive rebounds,” said Monteverde.
Monteverde also praised Fortea’s determined effort last night, saying it was the result of the entire team placing their trust in the fourth-year streaky shooter.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“Of course, I’m very happy and proud of Terrence. Yung first three seasons nya, medyo in-and-out sya sa laro. He never had that rhythm na dapat niya makuha, but then I saw him work hard every practice,” he said.
“At the same time, syempre, success would come from his teammates also. I believe na yung shots na na-made niya, hinahanap din siya ng teammates niya so it comes with trust also.”
Lopez led the way for UP with 20 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Fortea contributed 16 points on 4-5 shooting from outside the arc. Alarcon added 11 points and adding two rebounds and an assist.
Tounkara led the Growling Tigers with 24 points and nine rebounds, followed by Cabañero’s 17 points and nine rebounds, and Christian Manaytay with 12 points and two boards.
Now, we move on
The UAAP Committee issued a statement on Saturday on the alleged “spitting” incident that occurred in the finals rematch between DLSU and UP, involving DLSU head coach Topex Robinson and UP’s Reyland Torres.
The league issued a warning to both individuals for an unsportsmanlike behavior, and if it transpires again in the following games in the second round of the competition, they would face severe penalties.
Photo Courtesy: Joaqui Flores
After the investigation, the UAAP board says that the spitting allegations “could not be conclusively proven based on testimonies and available evidence during the investigation.”
“Syempre kami, we’ll abide by it and I’m sure naman on our part, ‘di naman yun basta desisyon lang na ginawa nila. Pinag-isipan ng maayos, so sa amin, syempre we would respect that,” Monteverde said.
“Nangyari ang nangyari. Of course at the end of the day, diba, I’m very confident naman na the UAAP would be very strict on na wala nang mangyayari na insidente na pagdudura or something na ganung bagay sa game.”
“And for me, what’s important is yung syempre yung well-being ng mga players, si Reyland [Torres], lahat ng involved diyan, and hopefully lang, siguro, hindi na mangyayari ulit yun,” he added.
After nearly a week of not responding to the controversies, Robinson broke his silence on Saturday during the Green Archers’ victory over the UE Red Warriors, telling his side of the story.
The Green Archers coach also stated that a certain “Mrs. Villanueva” yelled at him following the incident outside the venue. He also said that he was labeled a “squatter” after the game, which he found offensive.
Nonetheless, both teams are ready to move on from this incident and focus on the number of frenetic remaining games in the second round in order to make a return to the finals.
