UP Fighting Maroons show might against NU Bulldogs

University of the Philippines continued its strong campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament as they demolished National University to record their third straight victory on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons delivered haymakers after another to suffocate the Bulldogs from the beginning and finished the game with an 89-62 victory.

An early onslaught by the State U's wards made the people forget that the game was expected to be a close encounter as the two squads had been in the Final Four last season.

The game seemed like it was already over in the first half alone as the UP already erected a 31-point lead, 53-22 at the end of it.

Same scenario happened in the second half of play as the Fighting Maroons continued their dominance and even reached the peak of their lead at 39 off Harold Alarcon's three-pointer.

Mark Belmonte and JD Cagulangan led the domination with their combined 27 points. Belmonte also collared three boards and dished three assists, while Cagulangan had four dimes and two rebounds.

On the other side, only Jake Figueroa finished in double-figures with 11 markers for the Bulldogs.

UP 89 – Belmonte 14, Cagulangan 13, Millora-Brown 8, Lopez 8, Abadiano 7, Ududo 6, Torculas 6, Felicilda 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Alter 4, Alarcon 3, Briones 3, Torres 2, Walker 0, Stevens 0.

NU 62 – Figueroa 11, Manansala 9, Garcia 6, Jumamoy 6, Enriquez 5, Yu 5, Santiago 4, Francisco 4, Perciano 4, Tulabut 4, Palacielo 2, Padrones 2, Lim 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarters: 29-14, 53-26, 76-41, 89-62.