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Veteran guard Harold Alarcon takes charge in the fourth quarter as UP earns back-to-back wins and sends reeling UE to a fifth straight loss
MANILA, Philippines – Harold Alarcon played his finest game in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament as UP spoiled UE’s Final Four bid.
The Fighting Maroons denied the Red Warriors an outright spot in the semifinals after claiming a 77-67 win to end the elimination round at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday, November 20.
Alarcon erupted for a career-high 33 points on a blistering 12-of-17 shooting, taking over in the fourth quarter as UP gained steam going to the Final Four by posting back-to-back victories for an 11-3 record.
UE remained within striking distance after trailing 52-55 at the start of the last frame before Alarcon caught fire by scattering 16 points in the period.
Alarcon scored 12 points in a 14-8 run as the Maroons built a 69-60 lead with 4:30 minutes remaining and never looked back.
Big man Quentin Millora-Brown produced a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds with 2 blocks for UP, which secured the second seed and a twice-to-beat bonus against third seed UST in the semifinals.
Jack Cruz-Dumont paced the Red Warriors with 14 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds — his and-one play in the middle of the fourth quarter cutting their deficit to 60-64.
But Alarcon ran off 5 straight points off a pair of free throws and a three-pointer to fuel the Maroons’ breakaway.
With five straight losses to conclude the elimination round, UE missed out on a direct entry to the Final Four as it amassed a 6-8 record.
The Red Warriors, though, can still qualify for the semifinals if fifth-placed Adamson (5-8) loses to cellar-dwelling Ateneo (4-9) in the final game of the elimination round on Saturday, November 23, at the same venue.
If the Soaring Falcons win, Adamson will face UE in a playoff for the last Final Four berth.
The Scores
UP 77 – Alarcon 33, Millora-Brown 16, Cagulangan 4, Lopez 4, Abadiano 4, Torres 4, Fortea 4, Briones 3, Ududo 2, Torculas 2, Bayla 1, Felicilda 0, Belmonte 0, Stevens 0.
UE 67 – J. Cruz-Dumont 14, Momowei 11, Maga 11, Abate 8, Fikes 7, Lingolingo 6, Go 4, Galang 3, Wilson 3, H. Cruz-Dumont 0, Mulingtapang 0.
Quarters: 15-21, 41-37, 55-52, 77-67.
– Rappler.com
