The UP Men's Basketball Team remained unscathed after a 78-60 win over the NU Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Saturday afternoon. This puts the team at the top of the league, with a 3-0 win-loss record.
Maroon rookie sensation Francis Lopez became a highlight frenzy, scoring 14 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists with a massive plus-minus of +34 in the ball game.
Reigning most valuable player (MVP) Malick Diouf recorded his third double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Maroon captain CJ Cansino ignited a three-point frenzy with 12 markers.
The Maroons changed their offensive tactics, overcoming a strong 9-point first-half Bulldogs lead to establish an 18-point UP lead in the final 20 minutes of the ballgame.
The Bulldogs showed dedication at the start of the third frame, turning a 5-point UP lead into a 35-34 NU lead at the start of the second half. The Maroons responded with a 7-0 offensive assault to counter NU, ending the third frame 58-45 in favor of UP.
Kean Baclaan tried to set the tone for the Bulldogs at the start of the payoff period with 4 points and 1 assist. NU hoped for a comeback with a 9-2 run in the opening minutes of the final frame, narrowing UP's lead to 60-54.
The Maroons shut down a potential comeback with an 11-2 run, highlighted by a deadly Cansino corner three. UP led 71-57 with 4:02 left in the ball game.
The Bulldogs lost momentum after an 18-6 offensive Maroon run. Lopez sealed the game with a layup marker, resulting in a final score of 78-60.
NU now has a 2-1 record after UP's loss. However, the Bulldogs battled with former UAAP high school MVP Jake Figueroa, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Bulldog center Omar John contributed 11 markers and 2 rebounds.
UP will next take on the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. ●
