UP’s best season in 11 years ends with loss to UE

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The UP Fighting Maroons had an anti-climatic ending to their best UAAP campaign in 11 years by falling to the UE Red Warriors, 80-67, on Sunday, November 13, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Fighting Maroons, who finished UAAP Season 79 with a 5-9 record, fell behind early and was unable to get within a few possessions of striking distance for the remainder of the contest. 

The Red Warriors, who like UP are out of Final Four contention, improved to a 3-10 record with a game against FEU remaining on their schedule.

Philip Manalang led UE with 14 points and 6 boards, while Emil Palma and Bon Batiller each pitched in 14 points as well on a combined 11-of-21 shooting.

Playing in his final UAAP game, the departing Jett Manuel scored 13 points and pulled down 7 boards, while Dave Moralde, another graduating player, added 13 points and 6 boards.

UP’s 5 wins this season is their most since the 2005 Maroons went 6-8 in UAAP Season 68. This season’s team also ended its campaign strong, winning 4 out of 7 games in the second round, including wins against Final Four-bound teams Ateneo and Adamson.

Scores:

UE (80): Batiller 14, Manalang 14, Palma 14, Pasaol 11, Bartolome 7, Varila 6, Olayon 5, Derige 3, Abanto 2, Acuno 2, Gagate 2, Charcos 0

UP (67): Manuel 13, Moralde 13, Desiderio 12, Webb 6, Asilum 5, Gomez De Liano 5, Vito 5, Dario 3, Lao 2, Lim 2, Harris 1, Jaboneta 0, Prado 0

Quarter scores: 20-17, 42-28, 65-44, 80-67 – Rappler.com