University of the Philippines shrugged off another rocky start and fended off University of Santo Tomas, 81-70, to inch closer to a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing without their star guard JD Cagulangan, the Fighting Maroons showcased their brilliance anew in the second half – including their 10-0 blitz which was led by Harold Alarcon in the fourth quarter where they suffocated the Growling Tigers to a measly shooting to seal the win.

UP improved to a 6-0 card and remain as the lone undefeated team in the 8-school collegiate league while UST sustained its third loss for a 3-3 record.

Alarcon carried the scoring cudgels for the Katipunan-based squad as he finished with 16 points while Francis Lopez provided ample support of 15 points and six rebounds.

Mo Tounkara, who got hurt in the fourth frame, tallied 21 points and five rebounds. Nic Cabanero had 15 while Forthsky Padrigao logged 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a losing cause.

It was a stellar start for UST in the opening salvo where Tankoura scored 11 points and continued his fine display to carry his team to a 25-16 advantage.

But in the middle of the second frame, the Fighting Maroons regained their footing as they gradually cut the deficit to a close margin thanks to Quentin Millora-Brown and Lopez, who delivered the goods on both ends.

The scores: 

UP (81) – Alarcon 16, Lopez 15, Fortea 11, Abadiano 10, Millora-Brown 8, Felicilda 8, Ududo 6, Torculas 5, Torres 2, Belmonte 0, Bayla 0, Briones 0, Alter 0.
UST (70) – Tounkara 21, Cabañero 15, Padrigao 14, Paranada 5, Llemit 4, Manaytay 4, Danting 3, Crisostomo 2, Mahmood 2, Acido 0, Estacio 0, Laure 0, Robinson 0, Calum 0, Pangilinan 0.
Quarterscores: 16-23, 40-42, 68-63, 81-70