UP downs UE to enter Final Four for 5th straight season

University of the Philippines took down University of the East, 79-72, to book a slot in the UAAP Season 86 Final Four on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This is the Fighting Maroons' fifth straight Final Four appearance as they advanced to the UAAP playoffs in Seasons 81, 82, 84, and 85.

Malick Diouf registered a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, on top of five steals and two assists, while CJ Cansino added 17 points as the Diliman-based squad improved to 9-2.

Precious Momowei had 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Jack Cruz-Dumont had 19 points as the Red Warriors slipped to 4-7.

Earlier, Ateneo de Manila University defeated University of Santo Tomas, 67-59. 

The Blue Eagles improved to 5-6 while the also-ran Growling Tigers went down to 1-10. 

UP will face Far Eastern University next on Saturday while UE will go against De La Salle University on Sunday.

Ateneo will take on Adamson on Saturday, while UST will face National University on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News