UAAP: UP downs Ateneo, secures 8th straight Final Four appearance - GMA Network

The University of the Philippines secured its eighth consecutive Final Four appearance after defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 82-74, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons extended their winning streak to seven games, improving to a 9-2 record. The Blue Eagles, meanwhile, dropped to 5-6.

Ateneo held a slim 39-36 lead at halftime before UP turned the tables in the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Eagles, 28-18, to take a 64-57 advantage heading into the final period.

The Blue Eagles continued to fight back, cutting UP’s lead to 75-71 with 3:30 remaining. Veejay Pre, however, helped the Fighting Maroons maintain their advantage.

Jared Bahay brought Ateneo within three, 77-74, with 1:31 left on the clock. But James Payosing answered with a basket with less than a minute remaining, followed by a split from the free-throw line by Rainier Maga after being fouled by Bahay.

Jacob Bayla capped the victory with a late-game dunk, which also sparked a heated exchange between the two benches as the final buzzer sounded.

Pre led UP with 16 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Maga added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Elliot Dimaculangan also contributed 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Kieffer Alas paced Ateneo with 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals, while Bahay finished with 13 points, six assists, and three rebounds.

UP 82 – Pre 16. Maga 13, Dimaculangan 13, Ududo 10, Payosing 7, Bayla 5, Remogat 5, Yñiguez 5, Briones 3, Setevens 2, Palanca 2, Alter 1.

Ateneo 74 – Alas 14, Bahay 13, Espinosa 9, Tuano 9, Rogers 8, Roberts 7, Kapihe 6, Baruwa 4, Bongo 4, Espina 0, Leal 0.

Quarters: 13-20, 36-39, 64-57, 82-74.