University of the Philippines pulled off a strong fourth-quarter surge to defeat National University, 85–73, in the Balangay Festival 2025 Invitational Game on Sunday at the Fr. Saturnino Urios University Gym in Butuan City.
The game served as a friendly match between the two UAAP contenders and was the culminating event of the Balangay Festival festivities.
Nigerian big man Francis Nnoruka and Filipino-American forward Gani Stevens led the Fighting Maroons with 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Holding on to a slim four-point lead entering the final frame, UP relied heavily on the duo, who combined for 12 of the team’s last 24 points while also anchoring the defense — much to the delight of the Butuan crowd.
Harold Alarcon chipped in 10 points, while Noy Remogat added nine markers while expertly orchestrating the Maroons’ offense. Terrence Fortea and Seven Gagate also contributed, combining for 15 points.
PJ Palacielo paced the Bulldogs with 14 points, while Steve Nash Enriquez, Omar John, Jake Figueroa, and Bobby Mark Parks each had seven points.
Making the event even more special was the presence of hometown hero JD Cagulangan — the UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP and reigning 2024–25 KBL Rookie of the Year — who received a warm welcome from the Butuan faithful.
Both squads will return to Manila to continue their preseason campaigns in the Pinoyliga and Filoil Preseason Cup tournaments.
The Scores:
UP 85 – Nnoruka 17, Stevens 13, Alarcon 10, Remogat 9, Fortea 8, Gagate 7, Torres 5, Bayla 5, Felicilda 5, Abadiano 2, Belmonte 2, Maga 1, Briones 1, Alter 0, Yniguez 0.
NU 73 – Palacielo 14, Enriquez 7, Figueroa 7, John 7, Parks 7, Garcia 6, Jumamoy 5, Palanca 4, Padrones 4, Manansala 4, Locsin 3, Reyes 3, Santiago 2, Alfanta 0, Colonia 0, Tulabut 0.
Quarterscores: 15-23, 42-35, 61-57, 85-73.
