University of the Philippines fended off Adamson University, 82-70, to solidify its hold on first place in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons improved to 8-2 with their sixth consecutive victory, establishing a one-game cushion over the NU Bulldogs in the standings while keeping their bid for a sixth straight Final Four appearance on track.
“Kahit na hindi pumapabor sa akin ‘yung laro and ‘yung situation ng game, bale hindi ko pinanghinaan ng loob. ‘Di ako nagmukmok sa gilid. Sumunod pa rin ako sa game plan and sa coaches ko,” said Rey Remogat, who bounced back from a scoreless outing in his previous game with 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
James Payosing led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Dikachi Ududo posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Elliot Dimaculangan chipped in 11 points and three rebounds.
After shaking off a slow start, UP seized control with a 13-3 run in the second quarter to build a 14-point advantage at halftime.
The Fighting Maroons maintained their double-digit lead through the third quarter, but the Soaring Falcons mounted a comeback in the fourth, cutting the deficit to single digits after a Matt Erolon triple, 70-62.
Although an Earl Medina three-pointer once again trimmed the gap to eight, Adamson suffered a huge blow when Erolon went down with cramps with 4:40 remaining.
UP capitalized on the setback, responding with a Veejay Pre jumper before Remogat delivered the dagger from beyond the arc with 2:20 left to put the game out of reach.
With Erolon still sidelined, Remogat added a scoop layup to further cement the Fighting Maroons’ victory with 1:34 remaining.
Adamson was also without Precious Jonah, who injured his right leg in a collision while boxing out with teammate Medina and FEU’s Elias Gish during the Soaring Falcons’ previous game against the Tamaraws.
Remogat has fully embraced his leadership role for the Fighting Maroons, earning praise from the coaching staff for his competitive spirit and composure.
“Well, si Noy, he’s never afraid of the limelight. ‘Yung fight na meron siya, hindi lang sa basketball, and I think nagta-translate siya sa loob ng court. Second nature na sa kanya,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
UP will look to strengthen its hold on the top spot when it faces Katipunan rival Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The Soaring Falcons, meanwhile, dropped to 4-6, tying the UST Growling Tigers for sixth place and further hurting their Final Four hopes.
Erolon paced Adamson with 20 points, while Monty Montebon contributed 13 points and four rebounds in the loss. Mat Edding and Ray Allen Torres added 10 points apiece.
Adamson will seek to snap its three-game losing streak when it takes on the struggling University of the East on Saturday, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
UP 82 — Payosing 15, Remogat 12, Ududo 12, Dimaculangan 11, Bayla 7, Pre 6, Yñiguez 6, Alter 4, Briones 3, Palanca 2, Stevens 2, Maga 2.
AdU 70 — Erolon 20, Montebon 13, Edding 10, Torres 10, Medina 6, Anabo 4, Cañete 3, Ojarikre 2, Cruz-Dumont 1, Tumaneng 1, Demisana 0, Perez 0, Pacquiao 0, Mangaron 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17, 45-31, 68-58, 82-70.
