The UP Fighting Maroons posted another double victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 basketball tournament.
The UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) started the second round of the tournament with a breathtaking double-overtime win against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 103-101, while the UP Women’s Basketball Team (UPWBT) outclassed the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 82-71. The games were both held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Oct. 21.
UPMBT and UST engaged in a back-and-forth game in the first three quarters, with UST ahead by seven points, 72-65, heading to the final frame.
The UP Fighting Maroons tightened their defense, holding the Growling Tigers scoreless for more than six minutes to seize a 79-72 lead with 3:50 remaining in the game. The UPMBT appeared headed for victory after building an 84-76 lead with 1:57 left to play, but UST mounted a late rally to force overtime.
The UP Fighting Maroons fell behind by seven, 89-96, with 1:32 left in the first overtime before Veejay Pre, and Jacob Bayla, and Miguel Yñiguez spearheaded a late rally to send the game into a second extra five minutes.
Pre then took charge in the second overtime. His layup gave UPMBT a 102-98 lead with 1:32 left. Kirk Cañete cut the lead to three by making one of two free throws, before Mark Llemit drove to the basket to bring UST within one, 101-102, with 41.5 seconds remaining.
After Noy Remogat missed two attempts, UST had one final chance to take the lead with 14 seconds left. Cañete drove toward the basket but was stopped by Remogat’s defense, preserving UP’s narrow advantage. Pre, who was then sent to the charity line on a duty foul by Llemit, split his free throws to make it 103-101 with 2.1 seconds left. UST then turned the ball over on the ensuing inbound play to seal UPMBT’s victory.
Pre’s breakout game of 30 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and three assists earned him the best player of the game award. Chicco Briones also had a good outing contributing 14 points, while Remogat chipped in 10 points and six assists.
Meanwhile, the UPWBT and NU traded leads in the first half before the latter gained a five-point advantage,53-48, early in the third period.
The UP Fighting Maroons then, led by Blessing Francis, Louna Ozar and Kennan Ka quickly recovered and made a scoring to pull ahead, 69-63, going to the final quarter.
The UPWBT held firm in the payoff period as the Lady Bulldogs continued to struggle offensively. Camille Nolasco’s three-pointer with 1:01 remaining extended UPWBT’s lead to double digits, delivering the dagger that sealed the UP Fighting Maroons’ victory.
Francis led the UP Fighting Maroons with 24 points eight rebounds, while Louna Ozar contributed 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, and five steals. Nolasco also scored 16 points and Ka added 10 points. UPMBT’s next game is against the University of the East Red Warriors on Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m., while UPWBT will battle the UST Growling Tigresses on October 25 at 12 p.m. Both games will be played at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.