Maroons rip Tigers, boost bid for twice-to-beat advantage

MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons are now assured of at least the playoff for a twice-to-beat semis advantage in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament after obliterating the UST Growling Tigers, 86-61, Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

It was a dominating affair for the league-leading Maroons, which rose to a win-loss record of 11-2. 

After going down by seven early in the first quarter, UP pulled away and never looked back. 

A Harold Alarcon long jumper gave UP a 29-point lead, 86-57, with about 50 seconds left in the game. 

Chicco Briones led the Maroons with 14 points off the bench. He was followed by Cyril Gonzales with 10 points. 

UP had 73 bench points compared to just 13 for UST, and the former’s starters also only had 13 points total.

Nic Cabanero once again carried the offensive load for the Tigers, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds. However, he shot only three-of-14 from the field. 

Christian Manaytay followed suit with 14 points and nine rebounds. 

UST is still buried in the cellar with a 1-11 slate. 

UP’s final elimination game will be against NU, which will try to eliminate the Adamson Wednesday evening. 

NU is also trying to clinch the twice-to-beat bonus, but they have to fend off UP and La Salle Green in their final two games of the elims.