UP's Final 4 bid still alive after beating UST for 7th win

The UP Fighting Maroons are still in the running for a Final Four slot after defeating the UST Growling Tigers, 83-69, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Diliman-based squad took advantage of UST after rookie sensation, CJ Cansino, was stretchered out to the dugout with almost five minutes left in the second period. UP dominated the second half, making 21 against UST's 16 points and 20 against the Tigers' 15.

UP had the slim lead at the half, 42-38, while UST ended the first period with the upper hand, 22-19.

"This win has placed us in a position to really fight for that slot. However, we would want to take it away from our minds. it's just a lingering thought over there because we need that one win on Wednesday. We have to put this win behind us. We cannot overthink this because there is a more crucial game coming Wednesday,"  UP head coach Bo Perasol said.

JUST IN: UP Fighting Maroons now hold solo fourth spot after defeating UST Growling Tigers, 83-69. (Photo: Zeke Alonzo) #UAAPSeason81 via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/qshdWpMIJ5

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 10, 2018

"I'm just happy and proud for my boys here, Paul, Janjan, and everybody who stepped up in that game," Perasol said.

Perasol also lauded UST's tenacity in their game and wished well of Cansino. "I hope that CJ is safe, and nothing is serious. That team is just superb. I keep on telling them that team is not going to stop no matter who's going to play there. It's in their character," Perasol added.

Dilman big man Bright Akhuetie shone the brightest for UP today with 25 points, while Paul Desiderio chipped in 11.

Janjan Jaboneta listed nine points, including the dagger three which sealed the deal for UP with less than two minutes left.

"Ayaw namin matapos 'yung season na sasabihin namin na 'Sayang nandun tayo.' Ngayon, kami gumagawa para makapasok kami kaya importante 'to sa'min," said Jaboneta.

Desiderio also emphasized that he does not want to end his collegiate career in a low note. "Gusto ko ang pag-end namin, makapasok kami sa Final Four."

WATCH: Desiderio and Jaboneta share their thoughts on today’s win, say they don’t want season to end yet. | via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/MTco6FGZ11

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 10, 2018

Marvin Lee and Renzo Subido made 26 and 22 points apiece, making them the only two players for UST to score in double digits. Cansino in his eight minutes of play, listed two points and three rebounds.

LOOK: CJ Cansino ushered out to the dugout via stretcher.

5:57 left in 2Q. | via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/0YH1HFnghG

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 10, 2018

UP will play La Salle to close out their regular season. The Maroons are now at solo fourth with seven wins and six losses.

"I think the advantage of La Salle is they're used to these kinds of situations. Our hope is we are going to learn as fast as we could, playing with everything at stake. But I have trust in what I see in my players, their desire, their persistence, their belief in what we can do together. I know that we are going to fight for that slot and we are going to prepare for them in the next days," Perasol added.

UST, meanwhile, will try to bounce back against league leaders Ateneo on Wednesday. UST now drops to 5-8.

Scores:

UP (83) -- Akhuetie - 25, Desiderio - 19, De Liaño, Juan - 11, Jaboneta - 9, Murell - 6, Manzo - 5, Prado - 3, Vito - 3, De Liaño, Javi - 2, Espanola - 0, Gozum - 0, Lim - 0, Longa - 0, Spencer - 0, Tungcab - 0.

UST (69) -- Lee - 26, Subido - 22, Bataller - 7, Mahinay - 4, Marcos - 3,  Cansino - 2, Caunan - 2, Huang - 2, Zamora - 1, Agustin - 0, Bonleon 0.

— MDM, GMA News