Maroons storm back in payoff period to escape Falcons

MANILA, Philippines -- University of the Philippines unleashed a strong fourth-quarter rally to squeak past Adamson, 69-67, in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball skirmish Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Fighting Maroons erased a nine-point deficit in the fourth to seize the hard-fought victory. 

Rey Remogat scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half, to go with six assists and two rebounds in the win. Dikachi Ududo had 13 markers and six boards, while Veejay Pre produced a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Fighting Maroons trailed by nine, 51-60, after a Matty Erolon jumper with 7:22 remaining. 

But 11 straight points by UP, capped by a Veejay Pre deuce, pushed them ahead, 62-60, with 3:33 left. 

Ray Allen Torres tied things up anew at 62-all, but a layup by James Payosing, a triple by Remogat, and a deuce by Gani Stevens pushed UP firmly to the driver’s seat, 69-62, with 1:53 on the clock. 

A layup by Mat Edding followed by a 3-pointer by Monty Montebon pulled Adamson to within two, 67-69, with about 30 seconds to go. 

On the other end, the Soaring Falcons completed a steal off the inbound, which led to a corner trey attempt from Earl Medina. 

But it missed, giving UP another chance to slam the door shut. 

Adamson, though, went down swinging. Montebon got the steal and tried to go for the Hail Mary but missed. 

There was some confusion on the final play, with the Falcons bench asking if there was a foul whistled on the heave. But later, the game was finalized with UP’s win.

Miguel Yniguez had 11 points in the Maroons' victory. 

Edding top-scored for Adamson with 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Precious Jonah added 11 markers and seven boards, while Erolon and Montebon tallied 10 points apiece. 

UP won its second straight game and rose to 4-2, while Adamson dropped to 3-3.