The University of the Philippines just barely defeated the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 89-88, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Harold Alarcon carried the Fighting Maroons, scoring the team’s last eight points. The Growling Tigers had three chances to win the watch but they all missed it – Amiel Acido with a contested, off-balanced layup, Acido again with an open floater, and Collins Akowe with a missed opportunity.

“Having started slow kanina sa game and being able to come back before matapos ‘yung first half, sa akin defensively malaki rin ‘yung inangat ng depensa namin. ‘Yung mga ganitong klaseng game, ‘yung tough games na ganito, it will really prepare us for bigger games ahead,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

Alarcon led the Fighting Maroons with 22 points and five rebounds, while Rey Remogat finished the game with 19 points. Miguel Yniguez contributed 11 points.

For the Growling Tigers, Akowe had a double-double performance of 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Nic Cabanero added 18 points. Acido finished the game with 10 points.

Earlier that day, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles ended their five-game losing streak by defeating the University of the East Red Warriors, 78-74.

Coincidentally, Divine Adili, who missed three games, delivered big, especially in the fourth quarter when they were trailing, 57-64. With 3:46 left, the Blue Eagles reclaim the lead, 72-71, en route to the victory.

“Regarding Divine, having him back, I don’t think we can overemphasize how important that is. We’ve been a team that, if you study the stats, really struggled around the basket this year,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin.

“It’s pretty evident that when Divine is out there, it changes the dynamic for the team, and we got more out of him today than we expected.

Kymani Ladi led the Blue Eagles with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Adili finished the match with a double-double performance of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Ian Espinosa added 13 points, while Dom Escober contributed 11 points.

For the Red Warriors, Precious Momowei had another monster performance of 19 points and 18 rebounds, while Welo Lingolingo posted 19 points and five rebounds. John Abate finished the game with 18 points and six assists.

22, 5

Graduating senior Harold Alarcon became the main guy of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons as they made their final push to the final four. In the first half of the game, Alarcon was limited to just six points.

“Sa five years ko sa college, parang experience na lang din siya sa akin. All throughout my career, marami rin ako na-experience sa UAAP. ‘Yung composure ko na mapili doon sa clutch moments na doon, parang if you experience it kasi, mapi-feel mo kasi, e. Hindi ka na kakabahan or magmamadali, parang nasa present moment ka at parang naka-slow mo lang lahat,” he said.

After losing their first two games, the Fighting Maroons are now 7-3 in the standings, placing second behind the National University Bulldogs and the De La Salle University Green Archers.

“Sabi nga ni Coach Gold, prinepare kami ng experience na ito sa future games namin. Kumbaga, kung maka-experience ulit kami ng ganitong sitwasyon na close games or crucial games, parang hindi na sa amin baguhan,” he added.

“Parang kinausap lang din kami nang maayos ni Coach Gold sa dugout. Marami kami off nung first half, kaya nag-adjust kami papasok ng second half. ‘Yung sa fourth quarter naman, whatever na hinaharap sa akin ng defense, kukunin ko lang, e. Kumbaga, kung ano nasa harap, kukunin ko lang.”

15,13

In his first game back after missing three games in a row, Divine Adili posted a double-double performance of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Adili had been nursing a back injury throughout the season.

“I feel really excited to be back. I’ve been itching to get back, and I got the opportunity today. I’m just gonna keep looking to get 100% healthy, do my rehab, and control what I can control,” he said.

Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin also sang praises to Adili, who proved to be one of the guys needed for another victory.

“I told [Divine] in the third or fourth quarter, stop trying to be a player and just get your rhythm. He had a big second half and was a huge factor in the game. The stats tell a story – getting parity in points in the paint with Precious [Momowei], who’s one of the best inside scorers in the league, is a big plus for us.”