Gerry Abadiano displayed veteran poise and steered University of the Philippines past Ateneo, 79-75, to clinch the twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Abadiano looked like a man on a mission in the fourth where he waxed hot and fired 16 of his 18 points -- including his personal 8-0 run -- to spearhead the Maroons’ 15–6 surge that flipped a 50–54 deficit into a 65–60 lead, an advantage that they protected all the way to the final buzzer.

It wasn’t a smooth ride for State U, as the Blue Eagles stayed within striking distance behind Jared Bahay and Kymani Ladi but their final push fell short as Abadiano calmly delivered the answers for UP.

With their sixth consecutive victory, the Maroons improved to 10–3, securing the last semifinals bonus and just behind league-leading and fellow twice-to-beat team National University (11–2).

The Tab Baldwin-mentored crew, for its part, dropped to 5-7, tying with Far Eastern University.

The win also served as a repeat of UP’s dominant win over Ateneo, 83-69, in their "Battle of Katipunan" in the first round last Oct. 8

“Securing the twice-to-beat advantage is big for us [and[ seeing the team bounce back from the first half where I believe we lacked energy, towards the second half the whole team mas nagkaroon ng energy,” said head coach Goldwin Monteverde. "So we just have to keep being consistent sa whatever we did nung second half."

Abadiano’s 18-point output also came with two rebounds, one block, and one steal while Francis Nnoruka impressed with a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds on top of four blocks, and two steals.

“Lagi lang sinasabi sa'min ni coach Gold na huwag kaming tumigil," said Abadiano. "Even may challenges kami no'ng first half at lumamang sila ng malaki, ang nasa isip lang namin mag-continue lang sa paglalaro."

Jacob Bayla and Harold Alarcon chipped in eight points apiece, while Noy Remogat had a quiet six points, two rebounds, and three assists for the Diliman-based squad.

Bahay topscored for Ateneo as he posted 21 points, on 5-of-10 shooting behind the arc, with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Ladi collected 17 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Shawn Tuano and Ian Espino also dazzled offensively with 10 and eight points, respectively. Divine Adili

UP (79) – Abadiano 18, Nnrouka 17, Bayla 8, Alarcon 8, Alter 7, Torres 7, Remogat 6, Stevens 6, Fortea 2, Yñiguez 0, Belmonte 0, Felicilda 0.

Ateneo (75) – Bahay 21, Ladi 17, Tuano 10, Espinosa 8, Adili 7, Escobar 6, Espina 4, Lazaro 2, Bongo 0, Lazo 0.

Quarters: 7-21, 29-38, 48-54, 79-75.