MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons pulled off a stunner against the defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 98-87, on Saturday, September 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Down by 9 points in the first quarter, the Maroons were successful in rallying back from the Green Archers’ dominant start, earning them the first win over DLSU in the first round since Season 78.

The game tipped off to the Green Archers dominating the scoring with big man Ben Mbala making a total of 4 triples in the first quarter alone. As the Green Archers pulled away with a 7-point lead, the Gomez de Liano brothers drained threes of their own to cut the deficit.

The Fighting Maroons bounced back from the deficit through their control of the glass. The Green Archers failed to limit the UP offense powered by Paul Desiderio and Diego Dario. Juan Gomez de Liano iced the contributions of his teammates with a triple that garnered the lead for the Fighting Maroons.

A balanced team effort by UP extended the lead and saw Rob Ricafort, the debuting Fighting Maroon who had been deemed ineligible due to age but was allowed to play after acquiring a 20-day temporary restraining order on the issue, score his first points in the UAAP.  

  Rob Ricafort personally went to acquire the TRO in order to play in the UAAP 

The Green Archers initially rallied back, but UP stalwart Desiderio waxed hot and drained 5 triples in the third alone, nabbing the one-point lead at the end of the third.

The Fighting Maroons made made 16 triples, the most a team has made in a single game since 2010. It was also the first time UP had beaten DLSU in a first round game since Season 78.

This win puts both teams at a 3-1 record with the Green Archers falling to their first loss in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. 

Desiderio established another career high of 30 points, making 60% of his field goals from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Jun Manzo followed his long-time team mate with17 points and 4 assists. 

Mbala once again registered another career high point total with 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Caracut followed by tallying 15 points, two rebounds and 3 assists. 

Scores: 

UP (98) – Desiderio 30, Manzo 17, Gomez de Liano Ju 10, Gomez de Liano Ja 10, Lim 6, Ouattara 6, Jaboneta 6, Dario 5, Romero 4, Ricafort 2, Prado 2, Harris 0, Vito 0, Lao 0. 

DLSU (87) – Mbala 34, Caracut 15, Rivero R 12, Rivero P 9, Melecio 5, Montalbo 5, Santillan 5, Paraiso 2, Tratter 0, Go 0.

Quarter scores (UP-DLSU): 18-27, 47-43, 66-65, 98-87. – Rappler.com