UP avenges lone loss, outscores Ateneo 65-60

UP avenges lone loss, outscores Ateneo 65-60

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons defeated Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 65-60, to avenge sweet revenge for their lone loss thus far in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Blue Eagles overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to draw the game at 54 points apiece, and the Maroons had to hold off them. With 4:51 left, Harold Alarcon and Gerry Abadiano responded with a triple and a mid-range jumper, respectively, to give UP a substantial lead of 54-49.

With 45.3 seconds remaining, Harold Alarcon increased the advantage to six, but Mason Amos’ three-pointer with 42.9 seconds remaining in the play brought the Blue Eagles within three, 60-63.

The Fighting Maroons took advantage of the clock as Alarcon tried a crazy floater, but it was missed, allowing the Blue Eagles to equalize. The Maroons won their eighth game in a row, but the Blue Eagles were unable to do anything on their final possession.

“It took a while before we got into a rhythm offensively,” stated Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde. “We were a little bit in a hurry during the first quarter, but our defense held up against Ateneo, and we were just more patient offensively.”

Alarcon and Francis Lopez each scored ten points, while Abadiano finished with 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. In addition to scoring 10 points, reigning MVP Malick Diouf pulled down 17 rebounds, had three steals, and had two blocks. Conversely, Ateneo’s record plummeted to 4-5, tying Adamson University for fourth and fifth place.

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