By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Harold Alarcon stepped up offensively as the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons prevailed over the Adamson University Falcons, 69-57, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, September 28.
The Bacolod City native Alarcon finished with a team-high of 14 points, while Terrence Fortea and Quentin Millora-Brown had 13 and 11, respectively, as the Fighting Maroons improved to a 5-0 win-loss slate.
Down by as many as 22 points at 9-31, the Fighting Maroons slowly clawed their way back to take a 51-46 advantage in the third quarter via three three-point conversions from Fortea.
The Fighting Maroons continued their run in the fourth quarter, courtesy of inside conversions from Millora-Brown as their lead grew to 16 markers late in the game.
“Sometimes may mga game na ganun talaga. Napag-usapan na we just stick to the game plan, work as a team, look for better shots,” UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.
“At the same time, on the other hand, we had to remind each other that, defensively, we needed to work for it,” he said.
“Sa team, we usually talk about how we respond sa mga challenges, and I believe for this game, we responded well,” he added.
Jhon Calisay and Matthew Montebon finished with 12 markers apiece as the Falcons dropped to a 3-3 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, Wello Lingolingo delivered timely conversions as the University of the East Red Warriors (3-2) defeated the National University Bulldogs (1-5), 57-51, for their third consecutive victory.
Holding to a slim 50-49 lead with exactly a minute left, Lingolingo knocked down a corner three-pointer to extend the Red Warriors’ advantage to 53-49 with 41.4 seconds left.
The Bulldogs managed to cut the deficit to 51-53 on a steal and a basket by Jolo Manansala, but the Red Warriors got two free throws each from Lingolingo and Ethan Galang to seal the victory.
Lingolingo finished the game with eight points, on 2-of-7 shooting, to go with five rebounds, while rookie John Abate top-scored for the Red Warriors with 15 points and six rebounds./ASC, WDJ