UP outduels Ateneo in OT to win rematch of UAAP finals

The University of the Philippines bounced back and vented its ire against Ateneo de Manila University, 76-71, in overtime on Sunday in UAAP Season 85 at the Mall of Asia Arena in a rematch of last season’s finals.

With around two minutes left in the extra period, Malick Diouf made a dunk to give UP the lead, 68-66. A goaltending call and a Carl Tamayo freebie further extended the Fighting Maroons’ lead to five.

Forthsky Padrigao put two free throws to cut their deficit to three before a foul on Diouf by Dave Ildefonso put him on the line where he split his charities.

Another split, this time by Terrence Fortea from an Ange Kouame foul, put the Fighting Maroons at 73 before Padrigao drilled a triple to trim the Diliman-based squad’s lead to two points.

Padrigao fouled Tamayo with 18 seconds left where the latter split his free throws. Kai Ballungay tried to give Ateneo a chance with a corner triple but could not connect.

A Diouf split sealed the deal for UP.

Padrigao earlier delivered a triple to tie the game at 64 with 36.7 left in regulation. Padrigao’s attempt to salvage the game went to naught which sent the game into overtime.

Earlier, the University of the East won its second straight game after defeating University of UST, 78-68.

—JMB, GMA News