Hot Maroons pull away

MANILA, Philippines — Red-hot University of the Philippines clipped Adamson, 82-70, to extend its spree to six games and solidify its hold of the pole position in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons flipped the switch in the second quarter and were never threatened from there on to run away from the pack at 8-2, shoring up their drive to their eighth straight Final Four appearance, the longest active streak in the league.

UP also stayed on course to a top seed finish for a twice-to-beat bonus with a wider edge against a cramped chase pack composed of  National U (7-3), titlist La Salle (6-4), host Far Eastern U (6-4) and Ateneo (5-5). Adamson and Santo Tomas are lagging behind at 4-6.

James Payosing, the former NCAA Finals MVP from San Beda, collected 15 points, five rebounds and two steals in only 25 minutes of play while Rey Remogat and Elliot Dimaculangan chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, for rampaging UP.

Dikachi Ududo feasted inside with 12 points and 10 rebounds laced by an assist, a steal and a block as the Fighting Maroons notched a more convincing victory this time around after narrowly defeating the Soaring Falcons, 69-67, in the first round.

But the hoopers from Diliman are far from satisfied, knowing how tight the race to the finish line will be despite their two-game lead.

“One game can change the complexion (of the team standings) right away so as coach Goldwin (Monteverde) always says, we cannot take any team for granted,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.

“Regardless of the opponent, kailangan ‘yung preparations namin every game, i-surpass pa namin. Importante sa amin bawat game at bawat panalo.”

The Tams earlier notched a crucial second straight win after a three-game stumble, eliminating University of the East (0-10), 94-83, The Red Warriors absorbed their 30th straight defeat since 2024.

Tope Lagat (24), Lance Sabroso (16), Ola Ajani (11) and Cole Cruz-Dumont (11) paced the Red Warriors in another futile attempt at the elusive victory.