Reigning champion University of the Philippines bared its defensive fangs to preserve Terrence Fortea's late-game heroics as the State U stormed into the UAAP Finals with an 82-81 escape over University of Santo Tomas in the Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 3.

With the game turning into a nip-and-tuck battle in the payoff period, the Maroons located Fortea in transition for a pivotal trey with 48.5 seconds remaining, giving them the one-point edge they needed to punch the first Finals ticket.

Nic Cabañero tried to save the Tigers but he missed two opportunities against the wall of defense erected by UP's Francis Nnoruka -- one a left-handed layup, and the other a short jumper in their final possession.

.The victory sent the second-seeded Fighting Maroons to their fifth Finals in a row — and their sixth in seven years.

La Salle and National University will battle it out for the last championship berth on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the same venue.

Harold Alarcon impressed anew with 22 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Nnoruka backed him up with 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.

“Kudos to UST, talagang nilaro nila and nakita naman namin kung gaano nila ka-gusto manalo,” said Alarcon.

“‘Di lang talaga sumuko ‘tong mga teammates ko kahit na ganun kahirap ‘yong laro kanina," he added.

Fortea, who sank the game-winning trey, registered eight points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Noy Remogat and Gerry Abadiano added nine and eight points, respectively.

“Trust pa rin sa buong team, ‘yon pa rin ang nagpanalo. Bawat isa sa amin nagtrabaho talaga para makuha ‘yung panalo,” said Fortea.

Cabañero, who played his final game in the UAAP, uncorked 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Collins Akowe produced 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

Gelo Crisostomo and Kyle Paranada combined for 25 points, while Forthsky Padrigao and Mark Llemit chipped in six points apiece which all went for naught.

UST actually got off to a strong start as it seized an 11-0 spree, which got erased in the next few minutes as UP punched back with a 19-0 surge, 19-11, before making it a comfortable 37-22 lead in the second frame.

But it was also swiftly shrunk by the Tigers with Cabañero, Crisostomo and Akowe providing the offensive blows. Though, the match remained neck-and-neck until Alarcon, Nnoruka, and Fortea sparked the Maroons' counter en route to a hard-earned win. 

UP (82) – Alarcon 22, Nnoruka 19, Remogat 9, Fortea 8, Abadiano 8, Torres 5, Stevens 5, Alter 4, Yñiguez 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Belmonte 0.

UST (81) – Cabañero 24, Crisostomo 15, Akowe 11, Paranada 10, Padrigao 6, Llemit 6, Acido 4, Buenaflor 4, Estacio 1, Laure 0.

Quarters: 19-11, 43-36, 69-62, 82-81.