The all-UAAP finals dream is no longer a possibility.
University of the Philippines’ late rally fell short, absorbing a 75-71 upset loss to last year’s runner-up Korea University and dropping to the classification phase of the 2025 World University Basketball Series on Saturday at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
The Fighting Maroons, reigning UAAP champions and debutants in the tournament, will now battle Sydney University in the loser’s bracket. Sydney earlier suffered a narrow 65-61 defeat to Nippon Sports Science University.
UP trailed the entire game, falling behind 19-1 in the opening period. Slowly, the Maroons clawed their way back. Terrence Fortea sparked the comeback, pouring in eight of his 14 points in the second quarter to trim the deficit to 40-34 at halftime.
Korea University regained control in the third, but UP mounted one last push in the final 10 minutes. The Maroons tied the game at 65-all before Yoo Minsoo and Hyeon Moonyu steadied the ship for the Koreans.
With under a minute left, Reyland Torres stole the ball from Lee Donggeun and drew a foul, sending him to the line. Torres, however, split his free throws, leaving UP trailing 66-67.
On the next possession, Hyeon buried a cold-blooded triple over Francis Nnoruka — capping it with a “night-night” gesture — to seal Korea University’s spot in the next round against NSSU.
Hyeon led all scorers with 23 points on five triples, while Lee added 15 points built on three treys. Yoo finished with 13 points.
For UP, Gani Stevens posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Nnoruka also had 10 points and 10 boards. Chicco Briones contributed 10 points as Harold Alarcon sat out due to knee soreness.
With the loss, only defending champion La Salle remains in contention for the WUBS crown.
The Scores:
KU 75 – Hyeon 23, Lee DG 15, Yoo 13, Yang 7, Park 6, Yun 4, Kim 3, Shim 2, Lee G 0, Lee DY 0.
UP 71 – Fortea 14, Stevens 13, Nnoruka 10, Briones 10, Torres 6, Alter 6, Felicilda 5, Remogat 3, Abadiano 2, Yniguez 2, Bayla 0.
Quarterscores: 23-13, 40-34, 60-48, 75-71.
