UAAP: UP routs NU to clinch Final Four top spot

University of the Philippines dismantled National University, 79-57, on Sunday to claim the top seed heading into the UAAP Season 86 Final Four.

This is the first time that UP ended on the top of the standings in the Final Four era.

With the win, the Fighting Maroons ended the elimination round with a 12-2 card, while the Bulldogs slipped to 10-4.

Francis Lopez had 13 points while Malick Diouf and CJ Cansino had 11 points apiece for UP.

Jake Figueroa had 15 points and 10 rebounds for NU.

The Diliman-based squad will wait for the winner of the playoff for the #4 slot which will be battled between Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University on Wednesday.

NU, meanwhile, will face De La Salle University in the Final Four. The Green Archers, as the no. 2 seed, hold the twice-to-beat bonus in the semis.

Scores:

UP (79) – Lopez 13, Diouf 11, Cansino 11, Felicilda 9, Torculas 7, Cagulangan 6, Gonzales 6, Alarcon 4, Pablo 4, Belmonte 3, Torres 3, Briones 2, Abadiano 0, Fortea 0, Alter 0, Gagate 0.

NU (57) – Figueroa 15, Manansala 10, John 7, Yu 6, Baclaan 3, Lim 3, Yu 3, Malonzo 2, Enriquez 2, Jumamoy 2, Palacielo 2, Gulapa 2, Padrones 0, Parks 0, Galinato 0, Delos Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 23-13, 42-30, 58-45, 79-57.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News