By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

CURRENTLY second-running University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons seek to fortify their hold of the spot in Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines when they play in league action today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

To take on already-eliminated National University Bulldogs in the 10:30 a.m. opening game, the Maroons (7-4) will try to book the key win that would strengthen their bid to claim the second seed heading into the semifinals and earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

UP gave its push a boost when it came from behind to defeat the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 81-77, on Oct. 20.

Trailing for much of the contest, the Maroons used a key run in the fourth period to swing the tide in their favor to notch the victory, which also allowed them to stave off dropping back-to-back games.

Graduating guard Jun Manzo led UP’s spirited fightback from a 12-point deficit, 72-60, with 7:10 remaining in the payoff period.

Manzo spurred the Maroons’ 16-2 salvo after to grab a 76-74 lead with 2:19 left.

The Falcons tried to hold off the charge back of the Maroons but the latter were just not to be denied of the comeback win, making the needed plays on both ends of the court to eventually get the better of Adamson.

Kobe Paras top-scored for UP in the win with 21 points, which he peppered with five boards, and two assists.

Manzo had 17 points while Juan Gomez de Liano buried three triples on his way to 15 points, four rebounds, two assists.

Reigning most valuable player Bright Akhuetie, meanwhile, registered a double-double of 12 points, 11 boards, and six assists.

While happy with the win, the Maroons still recognize that their spot in the next round of the competition is anything but secured and that they have to build on their win over Adamson in their remaining games in the elimination round, including today’s game, if they are advance to the semifinals.

“This is a big win for us but it will all be for nothing if we do not win our remaining games,” said UP coach Bo Perasol following their gutsy win over the Falcons.

Out to frustrate UP is NU (2-9), which has had it rough in Season 82 but is still determined to finish its campaign on a high note and take it from there for next season.

The Bulldogs have lost two consecutive games, the last one against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 88-76, on Oct. 19.

Leading the way for NU is Dave Ildefonso with norms of 17.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, followed by his brother Shaun with 10.1 points and 5.6 boards.

Also playing today are the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (6-6) against Adamson (4-7) at 12:30 p.m. and UST (7-5) versus the De La Salle Green Archers (5-6) at 4 p.m.

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