UPDATE: Final 4 set as UP ousts La Salle
#UAAPSeason82: @upsystem snared the second seed after downing @DLSUManila, 71-68. The Fighting Maroons (9-4) locked up the No. 2 spot that comes with a twice-to-beat advantage regardless of the Final Four format. @TheManilaTimes pic.twitter.com/itQeEVYEnz
— Jeremiah Sevilla (@tmtjersevilla) October 27, 2019
THE University of the Philippines (UP) sealed the second seed after holding off De La Salle University, 71-68, in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Fighting Maroons built an early 16-point lead but needed to foil the Green Archers’ repeated fightbacks to clinch the No. 2 spot that comes with a twice-to-beat advantage on a 9-4 record.
UP will have a win-once bonus regardless of the Final Four having a crossover or a stepladder format, which will be decided with its clash against finals rival and unbeaten top seed Ateneo De Manila University (13-0) on Wednesday.
Reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie came through with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, including baskets down the crucial stretch, while former La Salle standout Ricci Rivero tallied 12 markers, five boards and two assists for UP.
Veteran guard Jun Manzo added 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds even as prized recruit Kobe Paras chipped in 10 markers and four boards in the massive win.
Far Eastern University (8-6) secured its seat in the semifinals with an 82-58 romp over University of the East while University of Sto. Tomas (8-6) also made it to the Final Four following La Salle’s loss.
The Archers (6-7) missed the Final Four for the second straight season in the last four years that saw them win a title in 2016 and make it to the finals in 2017.
One-and-done forward Jamie Malonzo’s double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds for La Salle went down the drain along with Aljun Melecio’s 12-marker, eight-board effort and Justine Baltazar’s 10-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The scores:
UP 71 – Akhuetie 17, Rivero 12, Manzo 11, Paras 10, Ja. Gomez de Liano 8, Webb 6, Ju. Gomez de Liano 3, Prado 2, Tungcab 2, Spencer 0.
LA SALLE 68 – Malonzo 17, Melecio 12, Baltazar 10, Bates 8, Serrano 8, Lojera 4, Manuel 4, Bartlett 3, Hill 2, Caracut 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 35-34, 55-45, 71-68