The defending champions, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, repeated their first-round victory against the National University Bulldogs, 78-74, to open the second round of eliminations on a high note in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Already leading by four points in the last 15 seconds of the game, 70-74, graduating Fighting Maroon guard Harold Alarcon successfully sank four free throws to extend their lead to six, 78-72. Jolo Manansala scored the last bucket of the match with a two-point jump shot, but the game was already sealed in favor of the Fighting Maroons, 78-74.

“Malaking bagay ‘yung strong start namin and that’s been rare for us not only in the UAAP but the whole year, whether it’s a tuneup game or a regular game. Our defense was able to hold up until the end. Got to give it to NU, there’s a reason why they’re the number one team,” Fighting Maroons assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.

Alarcon led the Fighting Maroons with 24 points and four assists, while Rey Remogat contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Reyland Torres finished the match with 10 points and five rebounds.

For the Bulldogs, Jake Figueroa had a double-double performance of 18 points and 10 rebounds, with six assists. Paul Francisco recorded 13 points and five steals, while PJ Palacielo contributed 11 points.

Earlier that day, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws extended the losing streak of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 75-68. After starting the season on a four-game winning streak, the Blue Eagles are now 4-4 in the standings.

The Blue Eagles were leading in the fourth quarter, 67-63, before Luke Felipe and Janrey Pasaol hit back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 67-all. Fortunately for the Tamaraws, Jorick Bautista sank a three-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Tamaraws, 70-67.

Bautista once again buried a three-point shot to extend their lead to five, 73-68, with 28.7 seconds left.

“We had a meeting with Jorick and Janrey and talked about the expectations that I know are high and can sometimes be unfair, but they’re so talented and therefore needed to lead by example. These last two games, they have been like what I’ve envisioned – being the best two guards in the league,” Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers said.

Bautista led the Tamaraws with 20 points, while Kirby Mongcopa had 16 points and nine rebounds. Janrey Pasaol finished the game with a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists, while Mo Konateh also had a double-double of 15 points and 17 rebounds.

For the Blue Eagles, Dom Escobar had 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Waki Espina finished the game with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

24

Graduating guard Harold Alarcon had his best game of the season with 24 points, four assists, and three rebounds. After the game, Alarcon said that his composure as a senior helped the team throughout the game.

“As a senior sa team, kailangan lang ng composure so ‘yun ‘yung naibigay ko sa team. Makita nila na ‘yung senior nila composed and parang hawa-hawa na ‘yan kapag ganon,” he said after the game,

17, 7

After 17 lead changes and seven deadlocks, it was the heroics of Jorick Bautista that pushed the Tamaraws to the finish line, tallying their third victory of the season. Although his back-to-back triples saved the day for the Tamaraws, he gave credit to his teammates.

“Credit lang sa mga teammates ko kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi mangyayari ‘yung ga sitwasyon na nakukuha ko. It was a team effort, it’s not me lang. Prepared talaga kami, pinagtrabahuhan talaga namin ito sa training pa lang,” he said.

15, 13

Janrey Pasaol had a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists, arguably his best performance on the collegiate scene ever. After the game, Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers revealed that former NBA player Kent Bazemore remembered Pasaol after the Tamaraws went abroad for their summer training camp.

Chambers said, “I got a text from Kent Bazemore two weeks ago when we were kinda struggling. He was like, ‘How’s Janrey doing?’ They remember Janrey in Sacramento, how well he played against the Sacramento Kings guys when we were there. And he went, ‘Don’t worry about him, that kid’s tough, he’s gonna bounce back.’”

Pasaol replied, “Siyempre, masaya kasi alam naman natin sobrang pangit ng ipinakita ko last season. Nung second round na ako nakabawi, naka-feel ng college basketball talaga. So, iniisip ko talaga nung first round pa lang na alam ko na ‘yung feeling dati, so ‘yung mga pagkakamali ko dati na-a-avoid ko na ngayon. Doon lang naman ako nag-adjust talaga.”

4

After winning their first four games, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are now on a four-game losing streak as sophomore captain Jared Bahay continues to play with an injury.

In their recent loss against the Far Eastern University, 68-75, Bahay only saw 13 minutes of action, finishing the game with three points and an assist.

“Probably, I’ll say about 70 to 80%. It’s just a matter of time that I’ll be a hundred percent. I get therapy and strengthening of my shoulder. It’s a very important thing para makabalik ako sa full, 100%,” he told Tiebreaker Time after their fourth straight loss.

Despite being on a four-game slum, Bahay looked forward to the day he could play on the court to the best of his abilities.

“My recovery has been the best. I have the best physical therapist, I have the best strength and conditioning coaches, so I’m very grateful for them that they took care of me. I’m very grateful that I came back to play today,” he ended.