IN A spectacular showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday (25 Nov 2023), the University of the Philippines triumphed over Ateneo with a 57-46 victory, putting an end to the Blue Eagles’ remarkable six-straight Finals appearances.

The Fighting Maroons, led by reigning MVP Malick Diouf’s outstanding performance, sealed their spot in the championship for the third consecutive year.

The top-ranked Fighting Maroons showcased their defensive prowess in a thrilling Final Four encounter, dominating the No. 4 Blue Eagles with a resilient third-quarter surge.

Now, UP eagerly awaits the winner between La Salle and National University in the upcoming best-of-three title series next week.

Diouf, who contributed 12 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, credited the team’s collective effort and solid preparation for their success against Ateneo.

The defeat marked the end of Ateneo’s era under coach Tab Baldwin, breaking a streak of four championships in six Finals appearances.

Reflecting on the roller coaster season, Baldwin expressed pride in his team’s resilience amid battles both on and off the court.

Despite a 7-7 record in the elimination round and various challenges, the Blue Eagles fought valiantly throughout the season.

In the women’s division, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured a thrilling 87-83 win over UP, setting the stage for an intense championship clash with eight-time defending champions National University.

UST’s victory marked their second Finals appearance in the last three seasons, and they will face NU in a highly anticipated showdown.

For UP’s distaff side, their resilient journey in the Final Four came to an end, finishing in third place. Despite the defeat, coach Haydee Ong commended her team’s hard work and acknowledged UP for putting up a strong fight.

The Tigresses’ path to the Finals was not without challenges, as they faced an overtime battle against UP last Wednesday.

With Kent Pastrana leading with 18 points and Brigette Santos scoring 14, UST exploded for 36 points in the first period.

Nigerian sensation Favour Onoh, who set a league record with 30 rebounds, continued her stellar performance with 21 points and 14 boards, while Kaye Pesquera contributed 20 points.

As the UAAP basketball season unfolds, the stage is set for thrilling championship clashes, promising intense competition and unforgettable moments on the court.

The scores:
UP (57) – Diouf 12, Lopez 12, Felicilda 10, Abadiano 9, Torculas 7, Cansino 3, Cagulangan 2, Alarcon 2, Pablo 0, Torres 0, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Fortea 0.
Ateneo (46) – Koon 10, Ballungay 8, Espinosa 7, Amos 6, Obasa 4, Brown 3, Chiu 3, Credo 3, Quitevis 2, Lazaro 0.
Quarterscores: 7-11, 22-25, 42-37, 57-46