Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — UP Fighting Maroons racked up their second victory in as many games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the expense of De La Salle Green Archers, 71-66, on Wednesday (September 9) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
It was the first time since 2005 that UP rolled on to a 2-0 start in the league.
Jett Manuel led UP’s balanced attack with 14 points, while Andres Desiderio and Piero Longa chipped in 13 and 10, respectively.
Although in control for the most part, UP squandered a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter following an 11-2 surge by the Archers, 64-58.
A layup by Jeron Teng even made the count 65-61 with 45.9 ticks to go.
But the Maroons held on and munched 6-of-6 shots from the foul line from there to put the stranglehold on the victory.
It also didn’t help that Teng fouled himself out with 40.6 left.
Against the team that was riding the crest of a rousing win against UE Red Warriors, the Archers were led by Prince Rivero and rookie Andrei Caracut.
