By Adrian Stewart Co

The University of the Philippines (UP) clinched the #2 seed in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball season following their 71-68 win over De La Salle University (DLSU) over the weekend at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. The loss puts DLSU out of ‘Final Four’ contention.
“How could we disappoint our community who came here in throngs [and] who have been supporting us all through the season?” asked UP head coach Bo Perasol. “I mentioned to the guys that you’re not just fighting for our position but also fighting for our survival as well.”
Kobe Paras delivered a go-ahead dunk with 54.8 seconds left in the game to give UP a 70-68 lead before forcing a turnover by DLSU’s Encho Serrano. Jun Manzo then iced the victory with a split free throw with just two seconds left.
The win assures UP of a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.
Bright Akhuetie tallied 17 points, 10 boards, two assists, and two steals for UP; while Manzo contributed 11 points, eight assists, and five rebounds; Ricci Rivero posted a season-high 12 points, five rebounds, and two dimes; and Paras added 10 points and four rebounds and maintaining his streak of scoring double figures in his every game this season.
UP is set to close this UAAP season with a clash against top-ranked Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) tomorrow at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Regardless of the result, the two will remain first and second this season.
In their prior meeting earlier this month, AdMU delivered an 89-63 beatdown with Ilonggo forward Ferdinand ‘Thirdy’ Ravena III scoring 13 points and Bacolodnon point guard Samjosef Belangel adding 11.
“I thought our guys played fairly and methodically,” AdMU head coach Tab Baldwin said following the previous win. “We didn’t get carried away.”/ASC, WDJ