By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Harold Alarcon rose to the occasion as the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons outlasted the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 69-66, to clinch its fourth consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday, October 12.
The Negros Occidental’s Silay City native Alarcon delivered another all-around performance for the Fighting Maroons, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 24 minutes to anchor UP’s gritty escape against the stubborn Tamaraws.
The Fighting Maroons had to survive a tense finish as FEU had multiple opportunities to tie the game in the final 19 seconds.
Jorick Bautista misfired on two three-point attempts, while Kirby Mongcopa passed up a potential game-tying shot, feeding Mo Konateh inside, who failed to control the ball as time ran out.
“As we always say, the UAAP is composed of teams that you cannot take for granted, whether it’s teams above, below or the same as us. Considering the limited amount of games, you can expect every game to be like a dogfight — and FEU certainly, as expected, brought that out tonight,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.
Gani Stevens provided ample support with 14 points and nine rebounds, including a clutch basket with 1:45 left that gave UP a 69-66 lead.
The Fighting Maroons’ defense then held firm the rest of the way.
Negrense Reyland Torres added 12 points, while Rey Remogat and Jacob Bayla chipped in eight apiece as UP improved to 4-2, tying Ateneo for third place.
“I’m just happy with how we improved throughout the season, but like our coaches said, we just have to keep our foot on the gas. Every team is gonna give us their best fight, and we just got to come prepared,” Stevens said.
Bautista led FEU with 18 points and five rebounds, while Konateh registered 16 points and 10 boards.
Janrey Pasaol contributed 11 points as the Tamaraws slipped to 1-4, dropping to seventh place in the standings.
Meanwhile, the National University Bulldogs turned back the De La Salle University Green Archers, 82-78, to secure solo first place in the standings with a 5-1 win-loss slate./ASC, WDJ