STEP one of the road to back-to-back is now complete.
The University of the Philippines secured a Final Four spot in this crazy UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament with a 70-65 victory over Adamson Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reyland Torres scored six of the Fighting Maroons' last 10 points in the last 2:13, ensuring State U's seventh straight Final Four appearance - currently the league's longest active streak.
"Ang importante naman sa amin is every game na hinaharap namin," said coach Goldwin Monteverde, still keeping that razor-sharp focus on the ultimate goal of defending their crown by keeping his attention in every game that comes.
"There's still a lot of things for us to improve on both ends and we still need to focus to get better sa last two games namin. For sure pag-abot ng Final Four, magiging tougher ang competition so we have to be ready."
Francis Nnoruka was also in his element, dropping 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, including a rim-rattling dunk early in the fourth that set the tone for the W.
Gerry Abadiano had 16 points and three boards as well, Harold Alarcon came off the bench with eight points and seven rebounds, and Gani Stevens got seven points and 10 boards.
Rey over Ray
Torres only had seven in the contest, but his contributions were enough, as UP won its fifth straight to remain at solo second at 9-3, still very much in contention for a top two finish that comes with the twice-to-beat bonus before its final elimination round assignments against Ateneo and La Salle.
Ray Allen Torres could not repeat his first round heroics for the Soaring Falcons despite putting up 23 points built on three three-pointers.
Matty Erolon chipped in 19 points after drilling five triples, as Cedrick Manzano only nabbed eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Adamson now faces an uphill climb in their postseason aspirations after losing their third straight to fall to 5-7.
The Scores:
UP 70 - Nnoruka 16, Abadiano 16, Alarcon 8, Stevens 7, Torres 7, Fortea 5, Remogat 4, Bayla 4, Yñiguez 3, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Palanca 0.
ADAMSON 65 - Torres 23, Erolon 19, Manzano 8, Montebon 8, Fransman 7, Anabo 0, Medina 0, Ojarikre 0, Perez 0, Tumaneng 0, A. Ronzone 0, C. Ronzone 0.
Quarters: 20-8, 36-27, 50-44, 70-65.
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