University of the Philippines fell to Korea University, 70-60, on Tuesday at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China, but still advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian University Basketball League Championship.
The Fighting Maroons had already secured their place in the knockout stage after defeating Hakuoh University on Monday, allowing them to finish second in Pool B with a 1-1 record.
UP will face the top team from Pool A in the quarterfinals. That opponent will be determined later in the day when China’s Tsinghua University and Japan’s Waseda University square off for the top spot in the group.
After falling behind by as many as 15 points, 35-20, in the second quarter, the Fighting Maroons mounted a spirited comeback behind a 10-0 run capped by Chicco Briones’ three-point play to trim the deficit to 35-30.
Korea University, however, quickly regained control. The Koreans answered with an 11-0 run that stretched into the third quarter, opening up a commanding 46-30 advantage.
UP made several attempts to rally, but Korea University consistently had an answer to preserve its lead and complete a sweep of Pool B.
Noy Remogat led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points despite shooting just 4-of-12 from the field. Veejay Pre added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Briones chipped in eight points.
Seok Jun Hwi paced Korea University with 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals.
Kim Jeong Hyun Daniel also scored 14 points to go along with eight rebounds, while Yoo Min Soo and Shim Ju Eon contributed 11 points apiece as the Koreans showcased a balanced offensive attack.
The Scores:
KU 70 — Hwi 14, Daniel 14, Eon 11, Soo 11, Hyeon 8, Hyun 7, Yeop 3, Yun 2, In 0, Seong 0.
UP 60 — Remogat 15, Pre 10, Briones 8, Dimaculangan 6, Payosing 6, Stevens 4, Bayla 2, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Ogana 2, Poyos 1, Yñiguez 0.
Quarterscores: 19-12, 40-30, 58-41, 70-60.
