University of the Philippines extended its win streak to four after edging Far Eastern University, 69-66, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Gani Stevens, who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds for the Fighting Maroons, buried a crucial short stab that kept the Tamaraws at bay and set the final count with 1:45 to go.
‘As we always say, the UAAP is composed of teams you can’t take for granted,’ said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon after the Maroons tied Ateneo in third at 4-2.
‘Considering the limited amount of games, you can expect every game to be a dog fight and FEU, as expected, showed that tonight.’
The Maroons, however, nearly blew it down the stretch after their six-point cushion was trimmed to one with still 2:07 remaining.
Harold Alarcon led UP with an all-around effort of 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Reyland Torres chipped in 12.
Jorrick Bautista scored a game-high 18 in the FEU loss, while Mo Konateh recorded a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.