University of the Philippines pulled away in the fourth quarter to rout the University of the East, 101-70, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The seldom-used trio of Choi Palanca, Sean Franco, and LA Andres sparked the Fighting Maroons’ decisive breakaway after UE had trimmed the deficit to 11 points late in the third quarter. The three combined for 14 points during a 17-2 UP blitz that stretched its lead to 87-61 with 6:27 remaining.
UP’s dominant fourth-quarter showing, even with its third-stringers on the floor, secured a much more comfortable victory than its 91-81 triumph over UE in the first round.
The Fighting Maroons extended their winning streak to five games, improving to 7-2 and moving into sole possession of first place in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors remained winless after nine games this season, extending their losing streak to 29 games.
Both teams will return to action on November 4 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. UP will take on Adamson University, while UE will face Far Eastern University.
