UAAP: UP ousts Ateneo, books third straight Finals stint

University of the Philippines is back in the UAAP men's basketball finals.

The twice-to-beat Fighting Maroons overcame Ateneo de Manila University, 57-46, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This is UP's third straight Finals appearance since UAAP Season 84.

After trailing 25-22 at the end of the first half, the Diliman-based squad outscored Ateneo, 20-12, to claim the lead at the end of the third period, 42-37.

Ateneo was at the closest, 42-40, before UP widened the gap and eventually take the win.

Malick Diouf and Francis Lopez both posted double-double performances and chipped in 12 points apiece, with Diouf grabbing 16 rebounds, while Lopez had 10 rebounds.

Chris Koon had 10 points, while Kai Ballungay had eight points and six boards.

With the win, the Diliman-based squad also dethroned the defending champs Blue Eagles. This is also the first time that Ateneo missed the basketball finals in 2015.

UP will wait for the winner of the semis bracket between De La Salle University and National University which will be played tonight.

Scores:

 UP 57 – Diouf 12, Lopez 12, Felicilda 10, Abadiano 9, Torculas 7, Cansino 3, Cagulangan 2, Alarcon 2, Pablo 0, Torres 0, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Fortea 0.

Ateneo (46) – Koon 10, Ballungay 8, Espinosa 7, Amos 6, Obasa 4, Brown 3, Chiu 3, Credo 3, Quitevis 2, Lazaro 0.

Quarterscores: 7-11, 22-25, 42-37, 57-46.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News