Fighting Maroons parry Red Warriors, clinch at least F4 playoff in UAAP 85

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:37 p.m.) — Defending champions UP Fighting Maroons are now assured of at least a playoff spot for the Final Four in UAAP Season 85 after repulsing the UE Red Warriors, 83-69, in their second round match up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

A sizzling opening salvo where they jumped to a 17 point lead on a scorching 87.5% shooting in the first period, 35-18, helped UP blow UE out of the water fast.

Malick Diouf went 7/7 in the first half scoring 16 of his career-high 23 points to pace UP in the strong start.

"We really moved the ball well. Decision-making was good. Kumbaga, it was really, umaabot sa bigs namin. I think 'yung malaking resulta ng playing as a team and executing as a team." said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde of their great start to the game.

Though the pesky Warriors kept themselves within striking distance, with Isagani Stevens coming up with career performance of his own to bring UE within seven, 64-71, with 4:02 left in the game.

But a 12-3 run by UP, led by Diouf and Zav Lucero shut the door on the Red Warriors as the Maroons went up by 16, 83-67, with 29.5 ticks remaining.

Diouf added 15 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks to his stat line to clinch Player of the Game honors. He was also an efficient 10-of-13 from the field.

Lucero chipped in with 17 markers on an 8-of-12 shooting clip.

Stevens paced UE in the loss with a career-high 23 markers, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals.

UP improved their record to 9-1 and won their 6th game in a row. Meanwhile, UE falls to 4-6. The Red Warriors remain in contention for a Final Four slot.

Both teams take a break for more than a week before returning against separate foes after the UAAP's FIBA break on November 17.

The Scores:

UP 83 -- Diouf 23, Lucero 17, Fortea 10, Alarcon 10, Galinato 9, Gonzales 7, Spencer 4, Abadiano 2, Cagulangan 1, Tamayo 0, Lina 0, Torculas 0, Calimag 0, Ramos 0.
UE 69 -- Stevens 23, K. Paranada 13, N. Paranada 13, Villegas 10, Payawal 4, Sawat 2, Abatayo 2, Pagsanjan 0, Remogat 0, Antiporda 0, Beltran 0, Tulabut 0.

Quarters: 35-18, 49-33, 63-55, 83-69.