UAAP: UP nears first-round sweep after taming skidding UST

Metro Manila, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons moved closer to sweeping the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball after beating the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 81-70, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Harold Alarcon carried the scoring cudgels for the Fighting Maroons as he notched 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

UP played without floor general JD Cagulangan who was feeling under the weather.

The Growling Tigers looked like they were a legitimate threat to hand UP its first loss this season, but the Fighting Maroons got their groove and pulled away in the final quarter.

Francis Lopez chipped in 15 points and six rebounds, while Terrence Fortea added 11 points for UP.

Mo Tounkara posted a game-high 21 markers and grabbed five boards for UST which now suffered back-to-back losses and fell to 3-3 in the team standings.

The Fighting Maroons will face the defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers in the highly-anticipated rematch on Oct. 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Meanwhile, the Growling Tigers will aim to get back on the winning track against the Far Eastern University on Oct. 5 at the MOA Arena.