Metro Manila, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons are marching to the Final Four armed with a twice-to-beat edge after defeating the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 79-75, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
Gerry Abadiano caught fire just at the right time for the Fighting Maroons as he knocked down crucial buckets for the Diliman-based squad. He finished the contest with 18 points to go with two rebounds.
Francis Nnoruka also helped UP, which came back from an early 16-point hole. He had 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The Blue Eagles stayed within striking distance in the final frame, trailing by two points at the dying seconds, but the Fighting Maroons established enough cushion to seal the victory.
Jared Bahay and Kymani Ladi paced Ateneo with 21 points and 17 points, respectively.
UP, the team that started the season at 0-2, has now notched its 10th win in its last 11 games.
The Blue Eagles, meanwhile, fell to 5-7 in the standings and face the brink of elimination.
The Fighting Maroons will end their elimination round stint against the reeling De La Salle University Green Archers on Nov. 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Ateneo will next battle the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Nov. 23 at the MOA Arena.
