Desiderio has near triple-double as UP keeps Final Four hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Led by a near triple-double performance by veteran Paul Desiderio, the UP Fighting Maroons kept their Final Four hopes for UAAP Season 79 alive with a tightly-fought victory over the UST Growling Tigers, 74-69, on Sunday, November 6, at the Filoil Arena.

In what was a back-and-forth contest in the first 3 quarters, UP pulled away in the early goings of the fourth period and avoided a late meltdown to secure its fifth win in 13 games. 

The Maroons’ 5 wins this season are their most in 11 years. UST, now 3-9, was officially eliminated from the Final Four chase.

Desiderio finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists – just 3 dimes short of becoming the first UAAP player since former UP player Marvin Cruz to record a triple-double in the collegiate league.

Noah Webb, brother of former DLSU standout Joshua Webb, also stepped up with 9 points and two highlight-reel chasedown blocks on UST leading scorer Louie Vigil.

Jett Manuel struggled with only 8 points on 2-of-13 shooting, but hit a clutch free throw late to help seal the win for his club.

Vigil led UST with 16 points on 35% shooting before fouling out with under 7 minutes left in the contest. Zach Huang and Jeepy Faundo stepped up with a combined 23 points and 18 rebounds.

For UP to make the Final Four, it will need the Adamson Soaring Falcons (6-5) to lose all of their remaining 3 games. The Maroons will then have to beat Adamson in a playoff to make the next round.

NU, which also has a 5-8 record, is in the same situation as UP. – Rappler.com