The defending champions, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, continue to climb the standings, this time as they defeated the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 89-75, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
In the third quarter, the Tamaraws ignited a 10-3 run to bring the game within six points, 41-47. However, the defending champions quickly responded, ballooning their lead to 15 with 2:47 minutes left in the third quarter, 61-46.
Since then, the Tamaraws played catch-up, but the Fighting Maroons always have an answer to their run. In the end, UP’s firepower was too much for the Tamaraws.
“We really prepared for FEU and one thing for this game, we moved the ball better as a team and slowly, na-a-identify ng bawat isa ‘yung role sa team namin, and I’m really happy to see that we’re improving and growing as a team,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Francis Nnoruka led the Fighting Maroons with a double-double performance of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Stevens finished the game with 14 markers. Rey Remogat contributed 12 points and eight assists, while Terrence Fortea added 10.
For the Tamaraws, Mo Konateh had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Jorick Bautista finished the game with 22 points. Kirby Mongcopa tallied 14 points and seven rebounds.
Earlier that day, the National University Bulldogs continued to lead, defeating the skidding Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 66-50, and maintaining their hold on the top spot in the standings.
The Blue Eagles were leading, 40-32, before the Bulldogs unleashed a massive 25-4 run to take the lead, 57-44, with just three minutes remaining. This gigantic run proved the difference in the game as the Bulldogs handled Ateneo, handing the Blue Eagles their fifth straight loss.
“Nag-respond sila doon sa nangyari sa amin against UP. Credit sa team ko, hindi na sa akin ‘yun, sila na yan, e. Sila na ‘yung gumawa ng paraan,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa. “Given si Jake Figueroa. I need someone na talagang mag-i-step up to become a leader talaga para at least mag-stabilize kami sa loob ng court. Itong dalawa (Steve Nash Enriquez and Reinhard Jumamoy), at least ‘yung leadership nila ipinakita nila.”
Figueroa led the Bulldogs with a monster double-double performance of 17 points and 15 rebounds, with five assists. Jumamoy, Jolo Manansala, and Enriquez scored eight points apiece.
For the Blue Eagles, Kymani Ladi was the lone player to score in double digits, finishing with 12 points. Andrew Bongo finished the game with nine points and nine rebounds.
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Despite not being the top scorer, Jacob Bayla was specially mentioned by Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwyn Monteverde. Bayla finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block.
“Very valuable for us. We always give importance sa ganyan na being able to fulfill yung role niya sa team and being able to play on both ends. Bihira sa player yung ganon na working hard sa depensa, sa opensa, and making good decisions within the team,” Monteverde praised.
For Bayla, he didn’t care about his numbers as long as his team was winning.
He said, “I’ll just keep on playing how I keep playing. For me, I just want to win, so whatever it takes to help the team win games, that’s what I’ll do. Just all glory to God. He really got this team through all the adversity with perseverance. Credit to my teammates for working really hard.”
In the end, Bayla commended his teammates and coaches for helping him maintain his confidence, especially after a rollercoaster rookie season.
“I guess every game, my confidence is getting better, but it starts in practice. Just giving my all to the team and for the UP community. My confidence is getting higher,” he said.
