UNIVERSITY of the Philippines got the workout it badly needed ahead of its Finals rematch against La Salle this weekend.
And for a time, it looked like University of Santo Tomas posed a legitimate threat to State U's unblemished record this UAAP Season 87.
But in the end, even without floor leader JD Cagulangan, the Fighting Maroons were just too little too much, wiggling away in the fourth quarter to hack out an 81-70 decision on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Francis Lopez capitalized on that crucial three-minute stretch where Mo Tounkara suffered a sprain and had to be subbed out, taking over as he scored four to build UP a 74-65 lead.
It was the buffer State U needed with Harold Alarcon putting on the finishing touches to the Diliman side's sixth straight victory.
Alarcon knocked down 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists before fouling out with less than three minutes to play. But by then, the job was already done.
Lopez corralled 15 points, six boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks and Terrence Fortea scored 11, as UP’s defense muffled the Growling Tigers to just two field goals in the payoff period.
Though it continued the string of double-digit victories for the maroon-and-green, which has now won by an average margin of 14.5 points through six games, it certainly was the most challenging, as it was made to sweat without the services of its lead guard.
Fortunately, other backcourt players were ready to step up, with Gerry Abadiano notching 10 points and four rebounds and Janjan Felicilda chipping in eight points and a team-high seven boards.
That’s certainly a big momentum boost for UP with Sunday’s clash against the defending champion Green Archers looming.
Growling Tigers go out with a whimper
Tounkara’s brief absence hurt UST’s upset bid, as he was stopped in his tracks to end up with 21 points and five rebounds.
Forthsky Padrigao registered 14 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, all while keeping things interesting with a three in the last 1:41 before Abadiano’s free throws doused the late charge.
Nic Cabanero added 15 points, three boards, and three assists for the Growling Tigers, who slipped to back-to-back losses to fall to 3-3, ahead of their final first round assignment against Far Eastern University on Saturday.
The Scores:
UP 81 – Alarcon 16, Lopez 15, Fortea 11, Abadiano 10, Millora-Brown 8, Felicilda 8, Ududo 6, Torculas 5, Torres 2, Bayla 0, Belmonte 0, Briones 0, Alter 0.
UST 70 – Tounkara 21, Cabanero 15, Padrigao 14, Paranada 5, Manaytay 4, Llemit 4, Danting 3, Crisostomo 2, Mahmood 2, Acido 0, Robinson 0, Laure 0, Pangilinan 0, Estacio 0, Calum 0.
Quarters: 16-23, 40-42, 68-63, 81-70.
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