UP upends La Salle for 2nd seed

The University of the Philippines (UP) Maroons on Sunday wielded the dagger in beating De La Salle University, 71-68, to get the second seed in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament semifinals.

The Maroons throttled the Archers at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to gain a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.

It was the ninth win against four defeats by UP which was led by Bright Akhuetie with 17 points, Ricci Rivero with 12 and Kobe Paras with 10 markers.

“There were ups and downs, but what is important for us was to not disappoint the UP community,” said UP coach Bo Perasol.

“They came here in throngs and they’ve supported us all throughout,” he added.

Far Eastern U smashed University of the East, 82-68, to also adance.