Bright Akhuetie and Juan Gomez de Liano led University of the Philippines to a rousing start as the Fighting Maroons handed the University of the East Warriors an 87-58 beating in UAAP Season 81 menโs basketball at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city on Saturday.
Gomez de Liano finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to spearhead UPโs impressive run in the second half.
Akhuetie, who played his first UAAP game since being acquired from Perpetual Help, chipped in 15 points, 18 rebounds and 2 assists.
UST rally falls short, as NU deals coach Aldin Ayo loss in Tigers debutย
Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso combined to score 29 points for National University, and the Bulldogs survived a strong fourth quarter by University of Santo Tomas to win 75-70 in UAAP Season 81 men's basketball at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
After an anemic showing in the first 3 quarters where it trailed by 17, UST came alive in the fourth, dumping 33 points on NU and nearly completing a comeback in the first game of head coach Aldin Ayo.
Steve Akomo's basket inside the final 2 minutes closed the gap to 72-68, but the Growling Tigers missed on a number of opportunities to narrow the deficit even further.
