UAAP: UP books 4th straight Finals appearance at UST's expense

Quentin Millora-Brown put up a monster game especially on the defensive side to help UP make a return trip to the UAAP finals. UAAP Season 87 Media Team

By John Miles Arcenal

QUEZON CITY--The University of the Philippines prevailed over the University of Santo Tomas, 78-69, in their Final Four matchup to seal their fourth consecutive Finals appearance in the UAAP men's basketball tournament, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

One-and-done big man Quentin Millora-Brown spearheaded the Fighting Maroons with his nine points, 19 boards, four blocks, and three assists, while Harold Alarcon and Francis Lopez churned out 16 markers apiece.

“We expected a tough fight against UST. Kasi alam naman natin the way they run their program this season, nakita naman natin as the season progressed they were putting a lot,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

“In the second half they trusted each other more, and mas naintindihan namin na we should play together,” he also pointed out when asked about their slow first half.

Last season's runner-up turned the tables in the third frame with a 12-2 blast courtesy of their perimeter offense.

After a 33-point career-high performance from Alarcon in their previous outing, the Cebuano guard remained hot, scoring back-to-back jumpers and setting the tone in the fourth canto.

At the 3:26 mark, UST guard Forthsky Padrigao was ejected from the game after committing his second unsportsmanlike foul against UP’s Millora-Brown.

His first caution came earlier in the third quarter against the same player.

Despite losing their main floor general, the Tigers tried to get back into the game with a 5-0 run, highlighted by Christian Manaytay’s triple and Mo Tounkara’s basket.

However, JD Cagulangan delivered a clutch long two-pointer with one minute left on the clock, extending UP's lead to 74-66.

Although Nic Cabañero sank a three-pointer in the dying seconds, Lopez sealed the victory for UP with a pair of free throws.

Reyland Torres contributed to UP’s scoring barrage with 13 points, while Terrence Fortea and JD Cagulangan chipped in eight and six markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, Kyle Paranada, Nic Cabañero, and Gelo Crisostomo led the way for the Tigers, each scoring 12 points.

This was UST’s first Final Four appearance since Season 82, where they advanced to the Finals through the stepladder format.

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