UAAP Season 87: UP Fighting Maroons Weather UE Red Warriors Second-Half Storm in Physical 79-73 Victory

MANILA — In a physical battle of top-four contenders, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons leaned on their championship poise and frontline size to outlast the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 79-73, in UAAP Season 87 second-round action.

With both teams sporting maroon and crimson colors in front of a packed collegiate crowd, the interior war between UP center Quentin Millora-Brown and UE student-athlete standout Precious Momowei headlined the afternoon. Millora-Brown hauled down 15 rebounds—including 7 on the offensive glass—to give UP crucial second-chance possessions in crunch time.

Second-Half Defensive Lockdown

After UE trimmed a 13-point deficit down to two midway through the fourth quarter behind Wello Lingolingo's perimeter shooting, UP guard Gerry Abadiano and Harold Alarcon clamped down on the perimeter, forcing three consecutive shot-clock violations.

"UE is one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the UAAP this season," UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said. "Winning the rebounding battle in the final five minutes was the difference."