THE behemoth squad of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons barely escaped the Final Four-seeking University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, by denying a huge comeback attempt 77-67.
After losing to the NU Bulldogs in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Fighting Maroons were able to string together some wins, claiming back-to-back triumphs.
Given how they ended the elimination round, the Diliman-based club will definitely have the momentum they need to face the UST Growling Tigers, who earned their Final Four spot last Saturday.
While the Red Warriors, who gave their all in this game, saw their chances of winning an outright Final Four position shattered once more as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
No easy wins
The Red Warriors opened the game determined and confident, exchanging baskets with the Fighting Maroons. John Abate and Ranier Maga seized over in the first quarter, giving their team a 21-15 advantage.
UP found their groove in the second quarter, with Harold Alarcon and Quentin Millora-Brown leading the way. They scored nine and eight points, respectively, giving their team a slim 41-37 advantage.
Despite UP’s scoring ability, the Recto squad managed to stay within striking distance in the third quarter. Millora-Brown, on the other hand, closed out the quarter with a putback, giving the latter team a 55-52 advantage.
The pivotal fourth quarter saw Alarcon take over as the streaky shooter dropped a monster 16-points in the final canto, making a perfect 6-of-6 field goals.
The Red Warriors tried to claw back, as they closed the score to 59-57 with 6:42 left on a three-pointer from Jack Cruz-Dumont.
But Alarcon doused water to the fiery comeback with back-to-back triples.
Maga was also able to blast a late three point shot, giving UE a slim hope, but costly errors and wasted opportunities sealed their defeat, dropping them to a 6-8 win-loss record.
Momentum booster
Spitfire Alarcon completed the game with a career-high 33 points and five rebounds. This performance ties the record set by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao on October 26 against their archrival Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“Siguro tsamba lang ‘yon. Pag binibigay sa’kin na ganon na free at libre, kinukuha ko naman. ‘Pag nakikita ko na nashu-shoot, tinatry ko pa rin at baka ma-shoot ulit. Buti nashu-shoot ulit mga tira ko,” Alarcon said.
“Papasok sa Final Four, big boost talaga sa confidence ko ‘to kasi last three games, parang shaky ako, eh. Parang nakatulong na rin siya sa sarili ko papasok sa Final Four. ‘Yun lang,” he added.
Millora-Brown recorded a double-double, scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds while also blocking two shots. JD Cagulangan, who was limited to four points, contributed nine assists, five rebounds, and one steal.
“Every time that you enter the Final Four with two straight wins, our confidence should be there. But, as cliche as it sounds, we’re gonna take this one practice at a time,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.
“Just like any other loss where you’re gonna have to move forward and forget about it and learn from your mistakes – same thing for a win,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cruz-Dumont led UE in the loss with 14 points, four assists, four steals, and three rebounds. The Red Warriors still have a chance to force a playoff for the fourth spot if Ateneo wins versus Adamson on Saturday.
