University of the Philippines rallied its way to a share of the no. 4 spot after tripping Far Eastern University, 95-82, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons now share the fourth seed with the Tamaraws with both teams getting a 5-5 record.
UP raced to a 15-2 run in the second quarter and built a 54-39 lead with 1:34 left in the half.
That 15-point lead was enough foundation for the Maroons as they notched their second straight win.
Paul Desiderio lit up for 31 points with four assists and two steals to lead UP while Bright Akhuetie had 20 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.
Juan Gomez De Liaño missed out on a second triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Barkley Eboña had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Tamaraws.