Strong finish gives Maroons 5-0 record

MANILA, Philippines —  Even a forgettable start hardly mattered for host University of the Philippines as it flipped the switch in the second half to shoot down Adamson, 69-57, and extend its unbeaten ways in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the MOA Arena.

The Maroons allowed a 9-31 Falcons’ runaway early in the second quarter but limited their foes to just 26 points the rest of the way to stay ahead of the pack with a perfect 5-0 slate.

It’s the fifth double-digit win for UP in as many games despite trailing by as big as 22 points after taking care of Ateneo, 77-61, University of the East, 81-71, National U, 89-62, and Far Eastern U, 69-58.

“Sometimes, may mga game na ganun talaga na our shots weren’t falling. Ang sabi lang namin is to stick with the game plan, work as a team, look for better shots, and remind each other na we have to be willing to fight for it,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde.

UP did more than that behind another balanced attack starring different players in a strong statement of its depth for a fourth straight finals bid.

Harold Alarcon fired 14 points while Terrence Fortea had 13 on a perfect 3-of-3 clip from downtown.

Quentin Millora-Brown had 11 points and 14 rebounds for UP, which will face the Santo Tomas next before a finals rematch with La Salle to end the first round on Oct. 6.