UP stays in Final Four hunt, ousts UST

FILE – Paul Desiderio puts the ball on the floor during the Fighting Maroons’ game against the Adamson Falcons. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of the Philippines remained in the Final Four hunt after eliminating University of Santo Tomas with a 74-69 triumph Sunday in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Drawing huge contributions from their bench led by Noah Webb and Kyles Lao, the Fighting Maroons scored their fifth win in 13 outings and also ended their decade-long drought against the Growling Tigers.

“I think many of those who contributed was inspired with what Kyles did with his crucial shots,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol. “Di niya inaasahan na bubunutin ko siya but lagi sa usapan namin that he has to be ready when I call his number.”

Lao gave UP a needed boost with six points in six minutes as the Maroons’ reserves totaled 35 points.

Paul Desiderio just missed a triple-double with 16 markers, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Webb got nine points in the win.

UP seemed to gain control of the game, leading by 15 at one point, 63-48 early in the fourth quarter.

Zach Huang and Jeepy Faundo kept UST in the game, trimming the lead to as low as three, 69-66 in the final minute, but Desiderio was there to ice the game in the clutch and seal the Fighting Maroons’ best record since 2005.

Louie Vigil topped UST (3-9) with 16 points and eight rebounds, but he fouled out with 6:34 left in the game.

Huang chipped in 13 markers and four boards, while Faundo got a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds in the defeat.

The Scores:

UP 74 – Desiderio 16, Webb 9, Manuel 8, Dario 6, Gomez De Liano 6, Lao 6, Moralde 6, Vito 5, Asilum 3, Harris 3, Lim 3, Prado 3, Espanola 0, Romero 0.

UST 69 – Vigil 16, Huang 13, Faundo 10, Lee 9, Sheriff 8, Lao 5, Basibas 4, Subido 4, Afoakwah 0, Caunan 0, De Guzman 0, Macasaet 0.

Quarters: 14-12, 31-30, 53-47, 74-69