UP escapes UST to book fourth straight UAAP Finals stint

The twice-to-beat University of the Philippines escaped the University of Santo Tomas, 78-69, in the UAAP Season 87 Final Four on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to book a slot in the men's basketball finals.

After trailing, 35-33, at the end of the first half, the Fighting Maroons fought back in the third period and made a 15-4 run after being tied at 40 to claim its biggest lead, 55-44. The Growling Tigers were limited to 15 points as the Diliman-based squad had 24 to close the third period at 57-50.

UP had control in the fourth period as UST held its hopes for a return to the finals and . However, Forthsky Padrigao was fouled out after his second unsportsmanlike foul as the España-based squad looked for answers near the endgame.

Christian Manaytay connected from beyond the arc to give a glimmer of hope to the Growling Tigers, 72-64, with 2:35 left but a 6-0 late rally gave UP a 76-66 lead before eventually claiming the win.

Francis Lopez and Harold Alarcon had 16 points apiece for the Fighting Maroons, while Reyland Torres had 13 points. Quentin Millora-Brown grabbed 19 rebounds, along with 9 points, four blocks, and three assists in the UP win.

Kyle Paranada, Nic Cabañero, and Gelo Crisostomo had 12 points apiece for UST.

This will be UP's fourth straight finals appearance. The Fighting Maroons will wait for the winner of the Final Four match between the no. 1 team De La Salle University and no. 4 squad Adamson University.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News