UP bounces back at UST's expense; Ateneo downs NU

The University of the Philippines bounced back at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas, 83-73, on Sunday in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win came after UP's loss against defending champions De La Salle University in the closing game of the first round.

After ending the third period behind UST, 62-59, the Fighting Maroons limited the Growling Tigers to 11 points and scored 24. UP led by 10, 77-67, in the fourth period before clinching the victory.

Francis Lopez had 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Terrence Fortea and Harold Alarcon had 16 and 11 points, respectively.

The win spoiled Mo Tounkara's 24-point output, while Nic Cabañero and Christian Manaytay had 17 and 12 points, respectively, for the España-based squad.

With the win, UP improved to 7-1, while UST slipped to 4-4.

Earlier, Ateneo de Manila University snapped its three-game skid as it defeated National University, 70-68.

The Blue Eagles improved to 2-6, while the Bulldogs also had the same identical record after the loss.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News