Rookie-Like Spark Fuels UP’s Strong UAAP Season Start
James Payosing delivered his first major UAAP performance as University of the Philippines overwhelmed Ateneo, 94-75, on Saturday. The Fighting Maroons erased a seven-point deficit before controlling the second half at Smart Araneta Coliseum for 2-0.
UP Erases Ateneo Lead to Take Early UAAP Control
In coverage for One Sports, Luisa Morales chronicled UP’s 19-point victory after Ateneo established early control behind perimeter scoring. Travis Roberts pushed the Blue Eagles ahead, 37-30, before the Fighting Maroons strengthened their interior presence and responded decisively.
Russel Ogana and Rainer Maga contributed during UP’s comeback, helping transform that seven-point deficit into a 39-37 advantage. Ateneo remained within one at halftime, but UP’s balanced production and physicality increasingly dictated the matchup after the break.
Image from: onesportsphl
Twenty-Point Swing Changes Game After Halftime
Sultan Baruwa briefly restored Ateneo’s advantage before UP answered with a 20-8 run during the decisive third-quarter stretch. The Fighting Maroons eventually moved from seven points behind to 13 ahead, completing a 20-point swing in scoreboard position.
James Payosing Delivers Breakthrough UP Performance
Payosing scored a team-high 16 points, providing much of his production as UP gradually created separation during the second half. The performance marked an early breakthrough after his move from San Beda, where he previously gained significant collegiate basketball experience.
Despite that background, Payosing described himself as a UAAP rookie while embracing opportunities within the Fighting Maroons’ deep rotation. His approach centers on contributing energy and winning possessions rather than demanding consistent scoring volume throughout every matchup.
“As a first season ko po, rookie [ako] dito sa UAAP, ine-embrace ko lang yung mga games na yun sa opportunity na kapag naglalaro ako,” Payosing said.
“And yun lang, just be a star player sa role ko, [kung] ano yung matutulong ko sa team, yung energy. Basta manalo lang kami, yung winning plays.”
Former San Beda Standout Embraces New UAAP Role
Payosing’s collegiate experience provides a useful foundation, but adapting to UP requires learning different teammates, responsibilities, and offensive structures. His performance against Ateneo demonstrated how efficiently he can contribute without requiring the Fighting Maroons to build possessions around him.
Balanced Scoring Gives Ateneo Multiple Problems
Veejay Pre supplied 14 points and nine rebounds while converting five of seven attempts during an efficient all-around performance. Noy Remogat matched Pre with 14 points, giving UP several dependable scorers whenever Ateneo shifted defensive attention toward Payosing.
Francis Nnoruka added 12 points, meaning four Fighting Maroons reached double figures despite nobody scoring more than Payosing’s 16. That distribution allowed UP to maintain offensive pressure without relying on one player to manufacture an unusually large scoring performance.
Pre and Remogat Complement Payosing Efficiently
Pre’s five-of-seven shooting created efficient offense without consuming excessive possessions, while his nine rebounds strengthened UP around missed shots. Remogat’s additional scoring gave Ateneo another perimeter threat to consider whenever its coverage attempted to limit Payosing’s offensive opportunities.
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Francis Nnoruka Anchors UP’s Interior Control
Nnoruka completed his double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, providing consistent production around the basket throughout UP’s victory. His work on the defensive glass limited additional Ateneo possessions while creating opportunities for UP to attack before defenses reorganized.
Jared Bahay still paced Ateneo with 17 points, while rookie Kieffer Alas supplied another 13 during the losing effort. Their combined production kept the Blue Eagles competitive earlier, but UP eventually received greater contributions across multiple areas of its rotation.
Rebounding Helps Fuel Second-Half Separation
UP’s interior depth extended beyond Nnoruka, with Gani Stevens providing another physical presence around the basket during important stretches. Controlling rebounds and protecting the paint helped the Fighting Maroons sustain momentum while Ateneo struggled to answer their second-half surge.
UP Faces NU as Ateneo Prepares for Adamson
The Fighting Maroons return September 26 against NU at Mall of Asia Arena, carrying an unbeaten 2-0 record into another assignment. That matchup provides another opportunity to evaluate whether UP can sustain its balanced scoring and interior production against different personnel.
Ateneo returns on the same date against Adamson after surrendering multiple leads during its first defeat of Season 89. The Blue Eagles must respond more effectively when opponents increase physical pressure and generate extended runs during momentum-changing stretches.
September 26 Tests Both Teams’ Early Adjustments
UP can strengthen its early position by maintaining the collective production that overwhelmed Ateneo after a competitive opening half. Ateneo’s response should reveal how quickly its young backcourt and supporting rotation adjust after UP controlled the decisive second half.
Analytical Breakdown: Balance Powered UP’s Victory
UP’s greatest advantage came from balanced production, preventing Ateneo from concentrating its defensive coverage around one primary scoring threat. Payosing provided the breakthrough scoring, while Pre, Remogat, and Nnoruka consistently punished defensive adjustments through efficient complementary contributions. Nnoruka’s rebounding strengthened that balance by ending Ateneo possessions and creating transition opportunities during UP’s decisive second-half surge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the UP vs Ateneo UAAP Season 89 score?
UP defeated Ateneo, 94-75, at Smart Araneta Coliseum to improve to 2-0 early in UAAP Season 89.
How many points did James Payosing score against Ateneo?
James Payosing led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points while adding three rebounds and two assists against Ateneo.
How did Veejay Pre perform against Ateneo?
Veejay Pre recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal while shooting five-of-seven from the field.
Who led Ateneo in scoring against UP?
Jared Bahay paced the Blue Eagles with 17 points, while Kieffer Alas contributed another 13 points against UP.
Who will UP and Ateneo play next?
UP faces NU while Ateneo meets Adamson on September 26, with both games scheduled at Mall of Asia Arena.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
