UAAP: Harold Alarcon takes over in clutch as UP squeaks past UST

Harold Alarcon scored the University of the Philippines’ last eight points to lift the Fighting Maroons past the University of Santo Tomas, 89-88, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UST held an 82-81 lead with 3:34 remaining in the fourth quarter before Alarcon split his free throws off a Nic Cabañero foul to tie the game. Collins Akowe then restored the lead for UST with less than two minutes left, but Alarcon answered with another basket to even things up at 84. Akowe again put the Growling Tigers ahead, but Alarcon buried a three-pointer to give UP an 87-86 edge with 1:05 to go.

Amiel Acido’s free throws off a Rey Remogat foul with 27 seconds left nearly handed the win to UST, but Alarcon once more came through for UP as the Growling Tigers missed all their late-game attempts.

Alarcon finished with 22 points, 10 of which came in the final frame, while Remogat added 19 points built on five triples. Miguel Yniguez chipped in 11 points.

Akowe’s 26-point, 16-rebound effort went for naught as UST absorbed its fourth straight loss. UST also struggled from the line, converting just 25 of 28 free throw attempts, which added to its woes.

The win solidified UP’s hold of the second spot in the standings at 7-3, while UST fell to 5-5.

Scores:

UP 89 – Alarcon 22, Remogat 19, Yñiguez 11, Belmonte 9, Nnoruka 6, Palanca 5, Stevens 5, Bayla 4, Fortea 4, Abadiano 2, Torres 2, Alter 0, Briones 0.

UST 88 – Akowe 26, Cabañero 18, Acido 10, Buenaflor 9, Paranada 8, Llemit 8, Estacio 5, Padrigao 2, Crisostomo 2, Laure 0, Calum 0, Danting 0.

Quarters: 21-26, 45-47, 68-63, 89-83.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News