The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons outplayed the feisty National University (NU) Bulldogs with a dominant display of versatility on both ends of the floor, taking an 84-76 win at the Mall of Asia Arena today.
The match, which headlined the second round of UAAP Season 84, saw UP retain their second place position in the team standings with a 7-1 record. The squad extended its season win streak to seven matches, which began after a loss to the top-seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles.
State U started the game strong with an outstanding shooting spree led by rookie standout Carl Tamayo. The maroon shirts took an early double-digit advantage after the first frame, 26-14.
While UP’s near-perfect offensive display rolled smoothly for the rest of the first half, the Bulldogs outscored the Fighting Maroons with a 21-point performance in the second frame. By halftime, NU kept themselves within striking distance to UP at 42-35.
In the third quarter, NU picked up the pace to douse UP’s fiery momentum. While a comeback charge looked imminent for NU, UP’s sharp shooters proved to be a pivotal difference. State U held on to a four-point edge ahead of the closing minutes.
Their seven-game win streak this season eclipsed their previous UAAP record of five consecutive victories in Season 67.
After ruling the UAAP juniors’ division as a two-time finals MVP, Tamayo took charge of the maroon-and-white’s gallant stand with 21 big points. Zav Lucero and Ricci Rivero posted crucial scoring contributions with 16 points apiece.
UP Men’s Basketball Team players Carl Tamayo and Zavier Lucero, and head coach Goldwin Monteverde speak to the media after their seventh straight league win over NU on April 12.
For UP MBT lead tactician Goldwin Monteverde, there are still areas of improvement to consider in order to sustain their strong form for the remainder of the tournament.
“We started strong and siguro sa lahat ng games namin so far, ito yung naging best start. Sa third quarter, dumami yung turnovers namin so we still have to be consistent [moving forward]. Kailangan pa rin namin makita where we can still improve,” Monteverde said.
UP’s historic win streak will be tested in another fierce battle with the FEU Tamaraws on April 19.
QUARTER SCORES: 26-14, 42-35, 62-58, 84-76
