Stunning Start to the Basketball Season: UP Shines with Impeccable Performance in Men’s and Women’s Games

UP’s Harold Alarcon showed off his skills as he spun past UST’s Nic Cabanero to score. The University of Santo Tomas had a slow start to the UAAP’s 86th season, but they didn’t panic. However, the University of the Philippines gave them a reason to rethink their approach. Behind the stellar performances of Harold Alarcon and JD Cagulangan, the Maroons dominated the Tigers with a score of 110-79 in the men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. Head coach Goldwin Monteverde credited their improved defense in the third quarter for the defining moment of the game. With this victory, UP secured their fifth consecutive win and will face La Salle next on Wednesday. The women’s team also secured a win earlier in the day, defeating UST 73-69, maintaining their unbeaten streak of 5 games, which is the school’s best start since Season 71. Alarcon finished the game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Cagulangan contributed 16 points, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds. This win marks the best start for UP in the Final Four era, winning all five games so far. In the first quarter, UST had a three-point lead, but UP responded with a 35-point second quarter, essentially sealing the game. Chicco Briones made a significant impact with 14 points, and Francis Lopez scored 11 points and provided 4 assists in just 13 minutes of play. Cagulangan mentioned that they were determined to perform better after their lackluster win over FEU. Despite a slow start to the game, the team’s communication and adjustments led them to victory. FEU also made a comeback after losing to UP in overtime, defeating defending champion Ateneo with a score of 66-61. L-jay Gonzales played a crucial role in the victory, making consecutive step-back jumpers in overtime. After the game, Gonzales expressed his trust in himself and his coach, emphasizing the importance of making crucial shots. Xyrus Torres secured the win with two free throws, extending the lead to 65-59. This win marks FEU’s first victory over Ateneo in five years. FEU coach Denok Miranda was relieved and proud of his team’s effort, especially after the tough loss against UP. FEU’s record now stands at 1-4. Torres scored 13 points for the Tamaraws, while Patrick Sleat contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds, and James Tempra added 8 points. Ateneo dropped to a 2-3 record, but Jared Brown led the team with 18 points, Kai Ballungay had 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Ian Espinosa and Chris Koon chipped in 8 points each. The women’s game also went into overtime, with UP emerging victorious over UST with a final score of 69-66. Louna Ozar and Favour Onah played key roles in securing the win for UP. UP coach Paul Ramos expressed his satisfaction with winning a close game and emphasized the importance of teamwork. UST’s record is now 3-2, with Kent Pastrana scoring 19 points and Tantoy Ferrer providing 14 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Brigette Santos added 11 points.

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