By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons leaned on a huge start in the fourth quarter to defeat the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 81-70, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 2.

From a slim 65-68 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Fighting Maroons went on a huge run behind Harold Alarcon, Francis Lopez and Gerry Abadiano for a 79-65 advantage with more than two minutes left.

The Growling Tigers made their last push on two free throws by Nicael Cabanero and a triple from Rence Padrigao, but Alarcon converted two free throws to seal the win for the Fighting Maroons.

Alarcon, a native of Negros Occidental’s Silay City, finished with a season-high of 16 points to lead the Fighting Maroons, which remained on top of the standings with a 6-0 record.

Lopez chipped in 15 markers, Terrence Fortea added 11 markers, while Abadiano contributed 10 points for UP, which will conclude the first round of eliminations against the De La Salle University Green Archers on Sunday, October 6.

“Much better second half definitely. After allowing 24 points in the first quarter alone, then limiting them to 28 in the second half, obviously, mas maganda ‘yung second half namin in terms of effort and adjustments,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.

Mohammed Tounkara finished with 21 points on efficient 9-of-10 field goal shooting, while Cabanero and Padrigao added 15 and 14, respectively, as the Growling Tigers dropped to 3-3./ASC, WDJ

UP 81 — Alarcon 16, Lopez 15, Fortea 11, Abadiano 10, Millora-Brown 8, Felicilda 8, Ududo 6, Torculas 5, Torres 2, Belmonte 0, Bayla 0, Briones 0, Alter 0.

UST 70 — Tounkara 21, Cabañero 15, Padrigao 14, Paranada 5, Llemit 4, Manaytay 4, Danting 3, Crisostomo 2, Mahmood 2, Acido 0, Estacio 0, Laure 0, Robinson 0, Calum 0, Pangilinan 0.

Quarterscores: 16-23, 40-42, 68-63, 81-70.