Late charge lifts UP past Adamson to solidify hold on second spot

UP defeats Adamson to return to second place in the UAAP season 82 standings on October 20, 2019. Photo: UAAP

The University of the Philippines is back in second place in the standings after getting over Adamson University, 81-77, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday.

The Maroons trailed in double digits early in the final period after a JM Sabandal triple widened Adamson's lead, 72-60. But a Jun Manzo shot before the halfway mark ignited the charge for UP, cutting the lead to five, 72-67.

Kobe Paras connected from rainbow country to tie the game at 74 with 3:24 left. Adamson's Jerom Lastimosa answered with his own triple to take the lead again, 77-76, after a Manzo score, but another trey from Paras in the 1:25 mark sealed the deal for the Maroons. Freebies from Paras and Bright Akhuetie settled the final score.

The late run made by the Diliman-based squad capped off at 21-5, with 11 of it made or assisted by Manzo.

Adamson started the game strong, taking the lead at the end of the first period with 19-11. UP charged in the second quarter to end the half with a slim 37-36 deficit.

UP now has seven wins and four losses while Adamson remains in sixth place with a 4-7 record.

The Fighting Maroons will play the NU Bulldogs next on Wednesday while Adamson will try to bounce back against the FEU Tamaraws on the same day.

Earlier, Ateneo de Manila University extended its win streak to 12 after eliminating the UE Red Warriors from Final Four contention, 84-50. — Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News