By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Harold Alarcon delivered a standout performance to propel the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons back to the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball finals, edging the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 82-81, in a tense Final 4 duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, December 3.

The Negrense guard powered UP with a game-high 22 points, showcasing composure at the stripe with a 10-of-12 free throw clip and steadying the Maroons each time UST threatened to seize control.

His aggressiveness and scoring bursts kept UP afloat before Terrence Fortea drained the pivotal three-pointer with 45 seconds left that ultimately sealed the victory.

Fortea added eight points, including two triples, while tallying six assists and five rebounds.

Francis Nnoruka provided solid support with 19 points and nine boards as the Fighting Maroons marched into the finals for the fifth straight year.

However, UST made UP fight for every inch.

Nicael Cabañero led the Tigers with 24 points, followed by Angelo Crisostomo with 15.

Collins Akowe and Kyle Paranada chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The loss marked the final collegiate appearances for Cabañero, Paranada, Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao, and Leland Estacio as UST’s surprise run came to an end.

Earlier, De La Salle University stayed alive in the title hunt with an 87-77 triumph over top-seeded National University (NU).

Jacob Cortez paced the Green Archers with 13 points, while Michael Phillips added 12.

EJ Gollena and Vhoris Marasigan contributed 11 and 10 markers apiece.

Jake Figueroa topscored for NU with 20 points, while Omar John finished with 12.

La Salle and NU will dispute the last finals berth in a winner-take-all showdown at the same venue on Saturday, December 6./ASC, WDJ