UP seizes control after halftime, downs Ateneo

University of the Philippines erased Ateneo de Manila University’s halftime lead and pulled away in the second half for a 94-75 victory in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday, September 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo built a 37-30 lead late in the second quarter, but UP answered with an 11-0 run before halftime to cut the deficit and head into the break just a point behind, 46-45.

The Blue Eagles briefly extended their lead to 47-46 in the third before UP responded with a 12-2 run, with Rey Remogat and Francis Nnoruka helping push the Maroons ahead, 58-49.

James Payosing then provided the scoring boost as the Maroons continued to create separation heading into the final quarter.

UP put the game beyond reach in the fourth, outscoring Ateneo 22-4 during a decisive stretch that turned a 68-65 lead into a 90-65 advantage with under two minutes left.

Payosing finished with 16 points, while Veejay Pre and Remogat each added 14. Nnoruka posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Jared Bahay finished with 17 points and three assists for Ateneo, while Kieffer Alas scored 13.

UP improves to 2-0 in Season 89, while Ateneo drops to 1-1. The Maroons next face National University on September 26, while the Blue Eagles meet UST on the same day.

The Scores: 

UP 94 — Payosing 16, Remogat 14, Pre 14, Nnoruka 12, Stevens 9, Ogana 7, Maga 6, Poyos 4, Alter 4, Yñiguez 4, Franco 4, Andres 0, Palanca 0, Briones 0, Bayla 0

Ateneo 75 — Bahay 17, Alas 13, Roberts 9, Espinosa 8, Baruwa 8, Tuano 5, Leal 5, Urbina 3, Rogers 3, Bongo 2, Cainglet 2, Espina 0, Kapihe 0

Quarterscores: 17-18, 46-45, 66-55, 94-75.

Photo credits: UAAP Media