After dropping its first two games, reigning champions UP has emerged as the league’s hottest team, racking up its third-straight win while spoiling the erstwhile perfect run of Ateneo in UAAP Season 88.
The UP Fighting Maroons reminded everyone why they’re still the defending champions — and the team to beat in Katipunan.
The defending champions flexed their might against Ateneo, earning a statement 83-69 victory to hand Blue Eagles their first loss in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Francis Nnoruka took charge in the pivotal third frame, pouring 15 of his season-high 28 points to fuel a scorching 24-11 quarter that flipped the momentum in UP’s favor.
From there, the Maroons never looked back — holding their ground to secure their third-straight win and seize solo fourth at 3-2.
Rey Remogat also put up a solid outing of 20 markers, seven assists, and five rebounds while Harold Alarcon poured 13 of his 17 points in the second canto in a stellar performance off the bench.
Shawn Tuano topscored the Blue Eagles, who now slipped to 4-1 for a share of the top spot with NU, with points in a losing effort with Kymani Ladi adding 15.
UP looks to keep its momentum going when it faces FEU on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Ateneo, on the other hand, hopes to bounce back against the UST Growling Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Blue Eagle Gym.
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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.