The UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) started the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s basketball tournament with a win against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 83-73, on Oct. 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Francis Lopez and Terence Fortea led the charge for the UP Fighting Maroons en route to their seventh win in eight outings.

It was a close contest from the tip off as UPMBT and UST traded baskets in the first three quarters. The UP Fighting Maroons were just down by three points, 59-62, going into the fourth frame.

Down by four points early in the payoff period, 61-65, the UP Fighting Maroons then put up a good defensive stance and uncorked a 16-2 run to take the lead, 77-67, still with four minutes and nine seconds remaining in the game.

The Growling Tigers tried fight back as Nic Cabanero and Mo Tounkara scored on their ball possessions, but Fortea responded with two three pointers to seal the game for the UP Fighting Maroons.

Lopez top scored for the Fighting Maroons with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Fortea scored 16 points, two rebounds, and three assists. Harold Alarcon and Quentin Millora-Brown chipped in 11 points and 10 points, respectively. JD Cagulangan who saw action after missing their last two games, contributed nine points, four assists, and two steals.

UPMBT’s next game against the University of the East Red Warriors is onn Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.