The UP Fighting Maroons proved to be just fine in their post-Maroon 5 era—at least for now. On Wednesday, the Fighting Maroons outclassed the La Salle Green Archers, 83–76, after surviving the latter’s furious offensive barrage at the Zamboanga Sibugay Invitational Basketball Tournament.
After an opening-day defeat to reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, the Maroons saw a 20-point lead cut down to 6 in the final minutes after La Salle snipers Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos caught fire from deep. But UP ultimately held on to claim its first win of the tournament.
“Just applying what we do in practice, executing the right plays, and playing together as a team, it’s just the offseason, but we got a long way to go,” UP forward Jacob Bayla said postgame.
New Era for the UP Fighting Maroons
Playing their first offseason without the core of Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, Janjan Felicilda, and Gerry Abadiano, a new era in Katipunan is on the rise, as the latest set of recruits look to finish their final months of residency before suiting up in UAAP Season 89.
With the offense now running through spitfire guards Noy Remogat and Rainer Maga, and with wings such as Veejay Pre and James Payosing holding down the defense, a new run of success for the Katipunan-based squad could be in the hands of their transferees.
La Salle Stays in Shape
Despite key players such as Kean Baclaan turning pro and Mike Phillips exhausting all his playing years, the Green Archers still remain in the hunt for a championship repeat, albeit after suffering their second loss of the tournament.
Jacob Cortez continues to anchor La Salle’s offense, notching 21 points, while forward Earl Abadam chipped in 12. The match also saw the arrivals of the Archers’ newcomers Seven Gagate and Moses Mandiria.
With both teams still proving to have championship-caliber squads despite losing key pieces, UAAP fans could be looking at the fourth straight installment of a UP Fighting Maroons vs. La Salle Green Archers finals.
