GOLD STANDARD
University of the Philippines started the season on two straight defeats, its title defense looking vulnerable at that point. But the Maroons found their footing and found a way to snatch the No. 2 seed.
And if there was still any remaining doubt about who the team to beat will be in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Finals, the defending champions erased it all with a hard-nosed stand against University of Santo Tomas.
The Maroons hung on for an 82-81 victory in their Final Four showdown with the Tigers at Smart Araneta Coliseum, marching to their fifth straight championship appearance.
It’s a number that’s a testament to the strength of the school’s program, but it’s not the one Terrence Fortea and his teammates are chasing.
“I don’t even think about that number [of Finals appearances]. Our focus is on preparation,” said Fortea, who knocked down the go-ahead triple that forged the final score.
“Our main goal, our main focus, is getting those back-to-back titles.”
With graduating UST guard Forthsky Padrigao taking charge, UP found itself down two late in the clutch before Fortea came to the rescue with a triple at the 48.5-second mark that pushed his team ahead, 82-81.
“I’m happy with the shot, but I still give props to the whole team,” Fortea said. “That’s really the main reason why we won. Everyone of us worked on this win.”
The Tigers responded with Nic Cabañero, but the senior swingman was forced to two misses in the end.
“I’m very proud of the team. We knew going into this game that it wasn’t going to be easy,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
La Salle triumphs
The Maroons trailed early when the Tigers scored the game’s first 11 points. But UP quickly regrouped and unloaded 19 straight points to seize the match.
Harold Alarcon finished with 22 points in the UP win, while Francis Nnoruka added 19 points and nine rebounds.
Now, UP will await the last challenger to its crown.
La Salle dragged No. 1 National U into a knockout match in the first game, with a dominant 87-77 victory, forcing the Bulldogs to reach for their twice-to-beat card.
“We just tried to prolong this series,” coach Topex Robinson said.
“We are up against the No. 1 team, so we’re always going to be battling it out with them, but we’re grateful and blessed to play one more game,” he added.
Jacob Cortez shone anew for the Archers with 13 points while Mike Phillips recorded another double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds. Kean Baclaan also announced his return to La Salle’s lineup with six points, two assists and a rebound.
Jake Figueroa’s all-around game of 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists went to waste as he also fumbled the ball eight times in the NU loss.
