UP dethrones Ateneo, back in the finals

Back in the Finals.

The UP Fighting Maroons defeated the reigning champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, 57-46, in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to advance to the UAAP Finals for the third consecutive year.

The Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles were held to just over 20 points in the first half of the game due to offensive struggles.

When the second half rolled around, UP’s blistering defense helped them pull away from Ateneo.

Malick Diouf led the Fighting Maroons with 12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. They maintained their poise to end the game and guarantee their third consecutive trip to the championships before the end of the fourth quarter.

This will be the first time the Blue Eagles have missed the finals under head coach Tab Baldwin.