October 04, 2025

Champion UP clamps down on defense to deal NU its first loss in UAAP Season 88

Champion UP clamps down on defense to deal NU its first loss in UAAP Season 88
For the first time in Season 88, the UP Fighting Maroons are on a streak after ending the NU Bulldogs' perfect run. | Photo: The UAAP

The UP Fighting Maroons are defending champions for a reason.

Turning up a notch on the defensive end, UP limited NU to just 16 second-half points en route a gutsy 66-59 win, handing the Bulldogs their first loss in UAAP Season 88 on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion.

Francis Nnoruka topscored for the Fighting Maroons with 14 points to help his squad register back-to-back wins for an even 2-2 win-loss slate. 

UP, who trailed by as many as 13 points early, scored the first eight points of the final frame to take a 56-49 lead. 

Overall, the Fighting Maroons outscored NU 31-19 in the second half after scoring just 31 markers in the first two quarters. 

Up next for the Fighting Maroons are the win-seeking FEU Tamaraws (0-3) on Sunday, October 12, still at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion. 

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, take on the DLSU Green Archers (2-1) on the same day and venue. 

Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.

Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.

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