UAAP: UP stays unbeaten, keeps UST winless

UP’s Harold Alarcon.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines leaned on guards Harold Alarcon and JD Cagulangan to dominate winless University of Santo Tomas, 110-79, and stay unbeaten in five games in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alarcon led the collective effort with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Cagulangan delivered 16 points, nine assists and three steals for the Fighting Maroons’ best start in the Final Four era at 5-0.

From trailing by three points early in the opening period, UP got its act together in the second quarter and exploded for 35 points in the third before tallying their biggest lead of 37 points, 103-66, after Chicco Briones’ triple with 4:23 left in the game.

“After the first half, we talked about our defense because it’s not that good. We picked up, especially in the third quarter that defined our game,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde after earning their fifth straight win ahead of their duel against La Salle on Wednesday.

UP’s JD Cagulangan.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Briones had 14 points, while Francis Lopez had 11 points and four assists in 13 minutes of action.

Cagulangan said they were eager to play better as they weren’t pleased with their 80-76 win over Far Eastern University in overtime last Wednesday.

“We bounced back because coach told us last practice that we should not play that way. Although our first half wasn’t that good, we communicated and made the necessary adjustments. Good thing, the team responded. It was a good win,” Cagulangan said in Filipino.

UST suffered its 18th straight loss dating back to last season and dropped to 0-5.

Nic Cabanero carried the cudgels for the Growling Tigers with 24 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists, as Christian Manaytay had 23 points and six rebounds.

The Scores:

UP (110) – Alarcon 21, Cagulangan 16, Briones 14, Lopez 11, Cansino 9, Diouf 8, Gonzales 8, Torres 6, Gagate 6, Torculas 3, Felicilda 2, Belmonte 2, Alter 2, Pablo 2.

UST (79) – Cabañero 24, Manaytay 23, Calum 8, Crisostomo 8, Pangilinan 6, Moore 6, Laure 4, Llemit 0, Duremdes 0, Manalang 0, Madrigal 0, Esmena 0, Gesalem 0, Ventulan 0, Lazarte 0.

Quarterscores: 28-24, 59-45, 94-59, 110-79