July 12: UP vs. Ateneo, 50-49 | CCF Center Sports Facility

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons held their nerve in a tense final quarter to edge out the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 50-49 in a gutsy RP Basketball League battle on Saturday at the CCF Center Sports Facility.

The match unfolded as a tightly contested affair from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets early. Kaye Pesquera led UP’s strong start, sinking the game’s first points and converting on a free throw. Alex Mendoza and Kingkay Mejasco added to the scoring punch but Ateneo maintained a slight 13-10 lead after the first period.

UP’s momentum began to shift in the second quarter. With aggressive rebounding and better shot selection, the Maroons wrested control. Mendoza hit a key midrange shot, and Mejasco’s hustle kept possessions alive. UP grabbed the lead and managed to hold off a small Ateneo run before the half, heading into the break up 26-19.

Ateneo came alive in the third quarter with a fast-paced attack, closing the gap through transition layups and better ball movement. UP stayed composed, responding with crucial baskets from Shane Cunanan and Marielle Vingno, ending the quarter narrowly behind, 35-34.

The fourth quarter saw Ateneo go on a run, highlighted by a long-range bomb that extended their advantage to 41-34. With three minutes remaining, they led 46-38 and appeared poised to take full control.

But UP dug deep. Back-to-back free throws brought them within striking distance. Pesquera then hit a fastbreak layup to cut the deficit to four. Free throws by UP trimmed the gap further before both teams traded quick baskets. With Ateneo leading by just a single point, 49-48, UP went on a final push to steal the game, executing a late possession that resulted in a go-ahead layup with under a minute remaining.

The Fighting Maroons clamped down on defense in the final possession, denying the Blue Eagles a chance to score and sealing the hard-fought victory. The Fighting Maroons’ ability to stay disciplined under pressure proved to be the difference.

 UP had a breakout victory as they last won during their opening game against CEU, 60-44, on May 24 before suffering consecutive defeats from NU (43-66), UST (55-98), and DLSU (50-61). They will be facing FEU in their next game, hoping to nab back-to-back wins to conclude the elimination round.

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In their previous match against Ateneo, the Fighting Maroons showed their heart under pressure. The game came down to the final possession, with Ateneo attempting to steal the lead in the dying seconds. But UP clamped down on defense, swarming the ball and forcing a turnover. The buzzer sounded with the Maroons on top, securing one of the most thrilling wins of the tournament. That moment not only boosted team morale, it reminded the league that UP was never to be underestimated.

Riding that emotional high, UP entered their final elimination game against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on July 19 with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

FEU had a strong an early, jumping to an early 9–0 lead and controlling the early tempo. Still, UP responded with composure as Mendoza sank a free throw to open the scoring, followed by a smooth floater from Kaye Pesquera. The first quarter ended with UP trailing 10–21.

In the second quarter, UP found their rhythm, as Vingno sparked the rally with a clean layup, Soriano added a crucial steal that led to a fastbreak bucket, and Mejasco slashed through the defense to make it 20–25. At halftime, UP narrowed the gap to nine, 22–31, showing once again their refusal to back down.

The third quarter was UP’s turning point. Nolasco scored from midrange, and Vingno added another two. Then Pesquera took over, burying a critical three-pointer and driving to the basket which brought UP within three, ending the quarter at 37–40.

In the fourth, the Maroons gave it everything. A well-executed offensive sequence inched the game at 43–44. Tapawan broke through with a long-awaited basket, and Pesquera kept pushing the pace. With time winding down, UP closed in at 51–59, but FEU’s defense stood its ground until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, Pesquera led the team with a stellar performance of 16 points, four rebounds, one assist, and four steals while UP’s collective grit was on full display from start to finish.

From denying Ateneo a final shot to fighting tooth and nail against FEU, UPWBT’s RPBL run was marked by intensity, character, and growth. They bowed down in defeat, but never in spirit.

The UPWBT concluded their RP Basketball League campaign with a 2-4 record. They started the tournament strong with a commanding 60-44 win over CEU, but faced a tough stretch in the next three games, falling to NU (43-66), UST (55-98), and DLSU (50-61). Then, they came out with a hard-fought 50-49 win against Ateneo, to halt the skid, then ended their run with a close 53-59 loss to FEU.