Connect with us

BASKETBALL

UP falters in the fourth quarter, settles for a do-or-die Game 3

Published

on

University of the Philippines falters in the fourth quarter to De La Salle University, 75-76, and face a now even 1-1 slate heading into a do-or-die Game 3, after succumbing to the reigning MVP’s late game heroics on Wednesday, December 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, in Pasay City, in front of 17, 112 in attendance.

This loss makes their fifth consecutive Game 2 loss, dating back to the Season 81 Finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. This was also the Fighting Maroons’ first loss this season after leading in the third quarter, previously having a 12-0 record.

After trailing behind the Green Archers for the first and second quarters, the UP Fighting Maroons’ showcased their strong third quarter game, outscoring DLSU, 26-15, and ending the frame with a 62-54 advantage.

Nearing the end of the game, the Maroons looked to be just a few minutes away from winning the title, holding a 73-61 advantage with just 5:12 minutes left, but a three-pointer from JC Macalalag sparked a 13-2 run, headlined by Kevin Quiambao, who put in a three to bring their deficit to two, 73 – 71, with 02:03 on the clock.

The reigning MVP then went on to make a second consecutive trey, a catch-and-shoot, to take the lead, 73-74, with 01:29 left.

In a final attempt, last game’s leading man in Quentin Millora-Brown put in a lay-up to regain the Diliman-based squad’s lead, 75-74, but DLSU’s Mike Phillips quickly retaliated with a hookshot to put the Archers back on top 76-75, with 1:07 left.

With only a one-point difference and 1:07 left to go, there were crucial missed shots on both sides of the court. For UP, Francis Lopez had the chance to force an overtime or take the lead, but missed 4/4 of his free throw attempts.

On La Salle’s side, Phillips missed two free throws, failing to extend DLSU’s lead, and also giving UP another chance at the dub, with 19.6 seconds left. Lopez, however, turned the ball over in an attempt to pass it to JD Cagulangan after the defensive rebound.

With 12.1 seconds on the clock, Quiambao was then also sent to the line for two, but missed both shots as well, giving the Fighting Maroons one final opportunity. Lopez managed to get the rebound once again, passing the ball to team captain Gerry Abadiano for the potential game-winner, but his triple came up short, sealing the game for the defending champions.

With this win, the De La Salle Green Archers have extended the finals series, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3.

A big aid in La Salle’s victory was their points in the paint, scoring 34 compared to UP’s 24. They also outrebounded the Maroons 45-37.

Lopez, despite missing crucial shots in the final seconds, led the team with 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four blocks, while Cagulangan added 16 points as well, to go along with seven rebounds, and five assists.

Abadiano contributed 16 more points, plus one rebound, and two steals, while Millora-Brown contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Reyland Torres, who had five points, two rebounds, and one assist, was ejected at the 2:58 marker of the fourth due to stopping CJ Austria’s fastbreak attempt without making a play for the ball–his second unsportsmanlike foul. The first unsportsmanlike foul he committed was in the 5:33 mark of the third quarter, after he accidentally hit DLSU’s Gollena in the face.

Torres, however, will not be suspended from the do-or-die Game 3, after UP’s appeal was named successful due to the nature of his second foul.

On the La Salle side, Quiambao showcased his MVP form once again, tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Phillips grinded out a double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Gollena and Macalalag chipped in nine points each, along with two rebounds and five assists, and four rebounds, one assist, and one steal respectively.

The UP Fighting Maroons look to clinch the title and reclaim their championship this Sunday, in a do-or-die Game 3 and season ender, December 15, at 5:30PM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City.

The Scores:

DLSU 76 – Quiambao 22, Phillips 18, Gollena 9, Macalalag 9, Gonzales 8, Austria 5, David 3, Agunanne 2, Marasigan 0, Ramiro 0, Rubico 0.

UP 75 – Cagulangan 16, Lopez 16, Abadiano 16, Millora-Brown 11, Torres 5, Alarcon 5, Torculas 2, Ududo 2, Stevens 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Fortea 0.

Quarterscores: 28-22, 39-36, 54-62, 76-75.

Copyright © 2017 UP Fight! by UP Fight Club, UP Fighting Maroons Media and UP Athletics Web Portal