UAAP: New-look UP downs UST to open season on high note

The University of the Philippines ushered in a new chapter in its basketball program by defeating the University of Santo Tomas, 92-85, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UP played for the first time without its famed quintet of Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, and Reyland Torres, but the Fighting Maroons pulled away in the second half after trailing UST, 48-44, at halftime.

UP outscored UST, 22-14, in the third quarter to take a 66-62 lead before building its biggest advantage at 85-74 with 2:27 remaining in the fourth.

Amiel Acido drilled a triple to cut the deficit, but Rey Remogat answered with a three-pointer of his own to keep UP comfortably ahead.

Francis Nnoruka then slammed home a dunk to put the Fighting Maroons ahead, 90-79, after Acido split his free throws following a foul by Nnoruka.

Free throws from Mark Llemit and another split from Acido trimmed UST’s deficit to 90-82 with 21 seconds remaining. However, Migs Yñiguez sank two free throws after Donovan Sevilla was called for a foul to seal the victory, before Collins Akowe knocked down a triple for UST.

Nnoruka led the Fighting Maroons with 18 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Remogat and Yñiguez added 11 points apiece.

Llemit paced UST with 19 points, while Acido finished with 18. Akowe had 13 points and 18 rebounds.

Scores:

UP 92 — Nnoruka 18, Remogat 11, Yñiguez 11, Alter 9, Poyos 8, Stevens 8, Maga 8, Pre 7, Payosing 5, Briones 5, Bayla 2, Palanca 0.

UST 85 — Llemit 19, Acido 18, Akowe 13, Danting 11, Buenaflor 8, Jumawan 6, Cañete 5, Sevilla 5, Porter 0, Crisostomo 0, Alao 0, Manding 0, Esteban 0.

Quarterscores: 24-22, 44-48, 66-62, 92-85.

—JKC, GMA News