Maroons annihilate Tigers for 5-0 slate

MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons completely destroyed the UST Growling Tigers, 110-79, to remain unblemished in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday.

The Maroons held a 40-38 lead in the second quarter, as the two teams traded baskets.

The Fighting Maroons, however, ended the quarter with a 19-7 run to take a massive 59-45 lead at the half. 

UP did not let go of the gas pedal as they unleashed a 35-14 third quarter.

Their lead ballooned to 37, 103-66, following a 3-pointer by Chicco Briones with 4:23 remaining. 

All 14 Fighting Maroons who played in the game scored. 

Harold Alarcon led the Diliman-based squad with 21 points, four assists and four rebounds. JD Cagulangan and Briones had 16 and 14 points, respectively. 

Nic Cabanero and Christian Manaytay carried the offensive load for the Tigers, combining for 47 points. 

The Maroons finished the game with 23 assists, compared to UST’s 12. They were also able to force 24 turnovers for the Tigers, as they tallied 15 steals. 

UP is comfortably sitting atop of the standings with a 5-0 win-loss record. 

UST, meanwhile, is the only winless team with a 0-5 slate.