The dreaded scenario of the UP Fighting Maroons becoming the UE Red Warriors’ first win in over two years fell short of transpiring on Saturday as the Katipunan-based squad relied on unlikely sparks to end the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament with a big win.
With the 91-82 victory over the Red Warriors, the Maroons closed out the first round with a three-game winning streak and currently hold solo first in the standings with a 5-2 record.
Amid their struggles in the first half, senior guard Rey Remogat acknowledged UP’s defensive adjustments in the locker room that led to a 28-17 third quarter—ultimately shifting momentum back to their side.
“Nag-mimintis kasi, puro point-blank pa. Sinabi sa amin na kailangan namin mas i-execute ’yung play, mas iikot ’yung bola, and dagdagan ’yung effort namin sa defense. So pagpasok ng second half, mas dumiin kami sa depensa,” Remogat said postgame.
Remogat Credits UP Spark Plugs Off the Bench
Despite scoring only 10 points with a subpar shooting clip, Remogat was one of seven UP players to score in double figures, led by James Payosing‘s 16-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The former UE guard credited the balanced scoring attack from UP, including the offensive burst from senior Chicco Briones, who dialed in 13 points while knocking down three triples in the second half.
“’Yun ’yung maganda sa amin… Simula una hanggang sa sixteenth player lahat naman ’yan kaya umiskor eh. Nabigyan ng opportunity ’yung iba naming teammate, nagawa naman nila nang tama,” Remogat said. “Nagawa namin ’yung game plan namin… Nung nabigyan naman si Chicco ng pagkakataon… hindi nila sinasayang.”
With Remogat and Briones looking to make the most out of their final playing years, UP is set to burst into the second round roaring as their post-Maroon 5 roster continues to gel.
The schedule of the second round is yet to be announced.
