Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 16) — The University of the Philippines (UP) still had Ateneo de Manila University’s number, as the Fighting Maroons edged out the Blue Eagles, 76-71, in overtime in UAAP Season 85 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
Playing in front of more than 12,000 people, the Fighting Maroons relied on their championship composure down the stretch, as Carl Tamayo led the Diliman-based squad for the dramatic victory. He finished the contest with 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and one block.
As expected in the rematch of last season’s finalists, the game was close throughout with Ateneo holding a precarious one-point advantage going into the final quarter.
Trailing by five points with under two minutes remaining in the fourth frame, the Blue Eagles were able to make a late push courtesy of a pair of free throws by Dave Ildefonso and a gutsy triple by Forthsky Padrigao, which tied the game at 64.
Another desperation triple by Padrigao failed to go in and the match went into overtime.
In the extra period, Tamayo and Malick Diouf took charge for UP to seal the crucial win.
With the victory, the Fighting Maroons regained the share of the lead in the team standings with National University at 4-1.
James Spencer contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Diouf added 12 points and four assists for UP.
JD Cagulangan made his season debut and chipped in seven points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the victory after missing the first four outings for the Fighting Maroons due to a leg injury.
Ildefonso led the way for Ateneo with 22 markers and 12 boards. The Blue Eagles fell to 3-2 in the standings.
UP will next battle University of the East, while Ateneo faces Adamson University on Oct. 19 still at the MOA Arena.
