University of the Philippines rallied in the fourth quarter behind Veejay Pre, Noy Remogat, and Dikachi Ududo to escape Adamson University, 69-67, and claim a share of the lead in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Trailing by 10 points after the third quarter, 55-45, the Fighting Maroons took a 62-60 lead at the 3:33 mark after Pre capped a 17-5 run with an uncontested layup.
Pre scored eight points during the rally, while Ududo chipped in six.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ray Allen Torres tied the game at 62-all with a two-pointer, but that would be the last deadlock of the contest. James Payosing reclaimed the lead for UP with another layup. Then Remogat’s step-back three-pointer and Gani Stevens’ basket inside gave the Fighting Maroons a 69-62 cushion with 1:53 remaining.
The game saw both teams exchange runs, with UP opening strong with a 17-6 spurt before Adamson regrouped and seized a 48-35 advantage. The Fighting Maroons, however, responded with a decisive fourth-quarter rally to take control.
“If there’s one thing we have yet to see from our team, it’s being focused on all four quarters,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
“Right now, we’re playing in spurts. Just like this game, we played very well the first five minutes and led as much as 11, but the next 15 minutes wala. During halftime, medyo may mga narinig sila kay Coach Gold na hindi kanais-nais. What’s important is how they responded,” he added.
With the victory, UP joined National University and Far Eastern University atop the standings, with all three teams holding identical 4-2 records.
The Soaring Falcons, however, mounted one last push. Mat Edding’s layup and Mathew Montebon’s deep three-pointer with 26 seconds left cut the deficit to two, 69-67.
On the ensuing possession, Edding stole Jacob Bayla’s inbound pass, giving Adamson a golden opportunity to tie the game or take the lead. However, Earl Medina missed a wide-open three-pointer from the left corner with around eight seconds remaining.
Following a timeout, the Fighting Maroons committed another turnover when Montebon intercepted Remogat’s telegraphed pass.
Adamson, though, failed to gain immediate control of the ball, forcing Montebon to attempt a desperation heave from three-fourths court that sailed well off target.
Soaring Falcons coach Nash Racela initially protested that Udodo had been pulling on Montebon’s jersey as he attempted the shot. But the officials signaled the end of the game, with UP escaping with the win.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Remogat led UP with 14 points and six assists. Ududo, who played in just his second game this season, delivered another solid performance with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
Pre added 12 points and 10 rebounds despite committing six turnovers, while Miguel Yñiguez contributed 11 points in the victory.
UP will look to close out the first round with three consecutive wins when it faces winless University of the East on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Adamson, meanwhile, dropped into a four-way tie for fourth place with De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of Santo Tomas, all carrying identical 3-3 records.
Edding led the Soaring Falcons with 15 points, while Precious Jonah finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Matt Erolon and Montebon chipped in 10 points apiece in the loss. Adamson will look to bounce back on Sunday when it takes on La Salle at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Scores:
UP 69 — Remogat 14, Ududo 13, Pre 12, Yñiguez 11, Stevens 6, Maga 5, Payosing 4, Dimaculangan 4, Bayla 0, Ogana 0, Alter 0, Briones 0.
AdU 67 — Edding 15, Jonah 11, Erolon 10, Montebon 10, Torres 7, Medina 6, Anabo 5, Cañete 3, Mangaron 0, Demisana 0, Tumaneng 0, Perez 0.
Quarterscores: 19-10, 31-35, 45-55, 69-67.
