MANILA – The UP Fighting Maroons advanced to their fourth consecutive UAAP men’s basketball finals, defeating the UST Growling Tigers, 78-69, at the Araneta Coliseum on November 30.
Trailing 33-35 at halftime, UP surged with a dominant 21-4 third-quarter run, led by Harold Alarcon’s 16-point performance and Quentin Millora-Brown’s 19 rebounds, sealing a decisive victory. UST’s efforts, powered by 12 points each from Kyle Paranada, Nic Cabañero, and Gelo Crisostomo, fell short despite a brief lead early in the second half.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde credited UP’s improved ball movement and momentum in the second half. “We expected a tough fight against UST. Their program has shown significant improvement this season,” Monteverde said.
The Maroons now await the winner of the La Salle Green Archers and Adamson Soaring Falcons matchup to determine their finals opponent.
Game Highlights:
UP: Alarcon 16, Millora-Brown 9 (19 rebounds, 4 blocks), Torres 13
UST: Paranada 12, Cabañero 12, Crisostomo 12
Quarters: 16-14, 33-35, 57-50, 78-69
UP will aim for another title in its fifth finals appearance in six years.
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