UP dominates UE, 70-61, to extend win streak and tighten grip on second place

The UP Fighting Maroons continued their strong second-round surge, defeating the UE Red Warriors 70-61 to claim their fourth straight victory in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Sophomore big man Sean Alter starred in the win, posting a career-best 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting, along with six rebounds and two blocks. Alter sparked UP’s blistering 16-5 first-quarter run, scoring eight of his points early to give the Fighting Maroons control of the game that they never relinquished.

UP’s dominant frontline anchored their victory, with Francis Nnoruka also delivering a massive all-around performance — 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and one steal.

The defending champions improved to 8-3, holding firm at solo second place and staying in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. They also moved within striking distance of league-leader National University (8-2), which was set to play Adamson later that day.

UP’s first-half dominance was the difference-maker. After UE opened with a quick 3-0 start, Alter led a 19-5 surge that pushed the Fighting Maroons ahead 19-8 by the end of the first quarter. They stretched the gap further at halftime, 44-25, and then unleashed a 13-0 run in the third quarter behind Terrence Fortea and Gani Stevens, building a commanding 26-point lead, 59-33.

The Red Warriors made a late push, cutting the deficit to 60-46 early in the fourth quarter behind rookie Tope Lagat, who finished with 21 points and three rebounds. But Nnoruka quickly stopped the rally with an eight-point burst that sealed UP’s win entering the final minutes.

Gerry Abadiano added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Harold Alarcon and Fortea provided steady contributions for UP, which cruised despite giving its bench extended minutes.

For UE, it was another rough outing despite the return of head coach Chris Gavina from a four-game suspension. The Red Warriors dropped to 0-11, extending their losing streak to 17 straight games dating back to last season.

Aside from Lagat’s effort, Wello Lingolingo chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while star center Precious Momowei was limited to just four points but managed 12 rebounds. John Abate sat out the game after sustaining a nose injury in practice.

The Fighting Maroons will look to sustain their momentum when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, November 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will continue their search for their first win of the season against the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday, November 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

UP 70 – Nnoruka 16, Alter 13, Abadiano 10, Fortea 6, Remogat 5, Alarcon 4, Coronel 4, Belmonte 4, Stevens 3, Bayla 3, Palanca 2, Yñiguez 0, Briones 0, Andres 0, Torres 0, Felicilda 0.

UE 61 – Lagat 21, Lingolingo 11, Despi 9, Malaga 6, Momowei 4, Distrito 4, Datumalim 3, Cabero 2, Mulingtapang 1, Rosete 0, Robles 0, Jimenez 0.

Quarter Scores: 19-8, 44-25, 60-40, 70-61

Source: Stats | Photo