UP squeaks past La Salle for sixth straight win

University of the Philippines squeaked past De La Salle University, 67-64, to remain perfect in UAAP Season 86 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After scoring just three points in the third period to end the said frame trailing at 59-50, the Green Archers managed to tie the game at 63 late in the fourth period.

Gerry Abadiano scored at the 1:00 mark to give the Fighting Maroons the lead, but a split by Mike Phillips put the Taft-based squad within one.

Reyland Torres' free throws eventually sealed the win for the Diliman-based squad.

Malick Diouf registered 10 points and 18 rebounds, while Gerry Abadiano had a team-high 13 points. Harold Alarcon also had 10 points.

Mike Phillips' double-double performance of 15 points and 14 rebounds for La Salle was spoiled, while Kevin Quiambao had 14 points.

With the win, UP notched its sixth straight win, while La Salle dropped to 3-3.

Earlier, Far Eastern University overcame Adamson University, 49-46, with LJay Gonzales a rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds to give the Tamaraws its second win in six games.

National University manhandled University of the East, 68-49, to get the solo second at 5-1, while Ateneo de Manila University had a blowout win against University of Santo Tomas, 97-77, to improve to 3-3.

UAAP action will be back on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion with NU taking on Adamson at 12 pm, and La Salle going against UE at 4 pm.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News