UAAP: UP advances to fourth straight men’s basketball finals

Metro Manila, Philippines — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons booked their fourth straight finals ticket after fending off the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 78-69, in their Final Four encounter on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Harold Alarcon showed the way for the Fighting Maroons, scoring 14 of his 16 point in the second half along with three rebounds and three steals.

The Growling Tigers were looking poised to force a rubber match as they established a 35-33 edge at the halftime break.

UP shifted the momentum to their favor by unleashing a 21-4 blast in the third period.

Nic Cabanero and Kyle Paranada kept UST within striking distance in the final quarter.

But the Fighting Maroons’ shots continued to fall, including JD Cagulangan’s clutch jumper to push their lead, 74-66, with 1:05 remaining in regulation.

Francis Lopez added 16 points and six rebounds, while Reyland Torres tallied 13 points and seven rebounds for UP.

Cabanero, Paranada, and Gelo Crisostomo each had 12 points for the Growling Tigers.

The Fighting Maroons will face the winner between top seed De La Salle University Green Archers and Adamson University Soaring Falcons in the finals.