University of the Philippines pulled away in the fourth quarter, routing University of the East, 101-70, and extending its winning streak to five games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The seldom-used trio of Choi Palanca, Sean Franco, and LA Andres spearheaded the Fighting Maroons’ breakaway after UE trimmed the deficit to 11 points late in the third quarter. The three combined for 14 points during a decisive 17-2 blitz that extended UP’s lead to 87-61 with 6:27 remaining.
The fourth-quarter surge, powered by UP’s third-stringers, gave the Fighting Maroons a much more comfortable victory than their 91-81 first-round win over UE.
UP improved to a 7-2 record to regain the solo lead in the standings and remain on course for a sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.
Starters Veejay Pre and Gani Stevens continued to lead the Fighting Maroons, with Pre tallying 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Stevens contributed 13 points and five rebounds.
Palanca finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Elliot Dimaculangan and Dikachi Ududo chipped in nine points apiece.
Franco and Sean Alter added eight points apiece, while Miguel Yñiguez and Andres chipped in seven and six points, respectively.
Toper Lagat sustained his consistent play with 23 points, but UE remained winless after nine games, extending its losing streak to 29.