Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — It was the best outing for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons since Season 68, but they could not end their run with a victory.
The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors stopped the Fighting Maroons, 80-67, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Philip Manalang, Renz Palma, and Bonbon Batiller finished the game with 14 markers apiece for the Red Warriors.
After closely contested opening period, UE found their rhythm in the second frame to outscore the Diliman-based side 22-11 in that quarter alone.
The Maroons were unable to find their footing in the third quarter as well and found themselves staring down the barrel of a 65-44 deficit headed into the payoff period.
UP were able to start out the final quarter with a 11-2 burst to pressure the Red Warriors and trim the deficit down to 67-55 with 7:44 left on the clock.
But UE were able to stem the tide, as they weathered the UP rally to seal the victory.
Jett Manuel and Dave Moralde paced UP with 13 points apiece, while Paul Desiderio chipped in with 12.
The UP Fighting Maroons finished the season with a 5-9 win-loss slate, while the UE Red Warriors will have a chance to improve on their 3-10 record when they play the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday.
