There’s no slowing down for defending champion University of the Philippines (UP).

A seventh straight trip to the Final Four already accomplished, the Fighting Maroons shift their focus to chasing the last semifinals twice-to-beat advantage in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

UP solidified its hold on the second spot after scoring a payback over first round tormentor Adamson University, 70-65, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Well, every time we achieve a goal, we are happy for that. But understanding that’s just part of the journey of our goal,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

Holding a 9-3 win-loss record, UP only needs to win one of its last two assignments in the elimination round for the semis incentive.

The Fighting Maroons will try to secure the bonus on Wednesday against Ateneo de Manila University. UP will end the round in a rematch of last year’s finals against De La Salle University on Saturday.   

As it stands, the Diliman-based squad is assured of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage with University of Santo Tomas (7-5) and La Salle (6-5) as the only remaining teams in contention for the coveted bonus.