Maroons repeat over Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion University of the Philippines withstood National U’s late rally to score a repeat win, 78-74, and gain solo third place in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons relinquished a 22-4 lead but flaunted their championship pedigree when it mattered most to improve to 5-3.

Harold Alarcon uncorked a season-high 24 points including 11 in the payoff period as UP quickly avenged its 72-69 loss to rival La Salle that snapped its four-game winning run last weekend following a 0-2 start.

Alarcon drained UP’s last four points – all on freebies – after NU closed in at 70-74 in the last 15 seconds on Jake Figueroa’s own free throws. He drew ample coverage from Rey Remogat and Reyland Torres with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Gani Stevens chipped in seven while Terrence Fortea and Jacob Bayla added six each for the Fighting Maroons, now one game behind the Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (5-2) for the coveted second seed and twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

NU remained on top with a 6-2 record.

Earlier, Far Eastern U dealt Ateneo its fourth straight loss, 75-68, to start the second round on a high note.

Jorick Bautista saved the Tamaraws with back-to-back triples in the final minute, ensuring no repeat of their 86-83 overtime defeat to the Blue Eagles in the first round.

It was the second straight win that lifted FEU to 3-5 for a fighting chance at the Final Four as the Blue Eagles’ free fall continued, sending them down to 4-4 at fifth place after a 4-0 start.