UNIVERSITY of the Philippines survived National University, 80-77, and secured at least a playoff for the last semis berth in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kobe Paras and reigning Most Valuable Player Bright Akhuetie delivered the numbers expected from them as the Maroons picked up their eighth victory in 12 games.
Paras fired 19 points, including a triple that gave them a 77-70 cushion with 3:02 left while Akhuetie had a double-double effort of 16 points and 12 boards on top of two assists and two steals.
Though already out of the semis picture, the Bulldogs refused to roll over and die as they rallied to within 77-75 off a JV Gallego layup with 56.1 ticks left.
The Maroons, who are bidding for another finals appearance, came through with clutch plays to finally take the fight out of the Bulldogs.
NU had a chance to send it into extension but Dave Ildefonso’s buzzer-beating trey bounced off the rim.
Jun Manzo contributed 14 points while Juan Gomez de Liaño chipped in 11 points and 11 boards for UP, which duplicated its 80-79 win over NU in the first round.
“I’m just glad that we know how to close out our games,” said UP coach Bo Perasol. “A win is a win, but we also needed to win better games as the playoffs go deeper.”
Meantime, Far Eastern University likewise boosted its own semis bid with a 63-60 squeaker over Adamson.
L-Jay Gonzales posted 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in leading FEU to a 7-6 record while the closing the semis door on the Falcons who dropped to 4-8.
In women’s play, early semifinalist NU Lady Bulldogs demolished the UP Lady Maroons 109-33 for a 12th straight win in the season and 92ndconsecutive overall. (Kristel Satumbaga)
The scores:
First Game
UP 80 – Paras 19, Akhuetie 16, Manzo 14, Ju. Gomez de Liano 11, Rivero 8, Webb 5, Ja. Gomez de Liano 4, Prado 3, Gozum 0, Jaboneta 0, Murrell 0, Tungcab 0.
NU 77 – D. Ildefonso 24, Gallego 20, Oczon 12, S. Ildefonso 10, Gaye 6, Joson 2, Minerva 2, Galinato 1, Clemente 0, Diputado 0, Malonzo 0, Mangayao 0, Rangel 0, Yu 0.
Quarters: 13-11, 32-25, 56-51, 80-77.
Second Game
FEU 63 – Comboy 11, Gonzales 11, Tuffin 11, Bienes 6, Stockton 6, Nunag 5, Ebona 4, Tchuente 4, Torres 3, Alforque 2, Cani 0.
ADAMSON 60 – Ahanmisi 10, Douanga 10, Fermin 10, Lastimosa 9, Camacho 6, Manlapaz 5, Sabandal 4, Mojica 3, Yerro 2, Chauca 1, Bernardo 0, Magbuhos 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 43-31, 50-41, 63-60.
