UP Fighting Maroons dethrone Ateneo, advance to UAAP finals

Updated Sun, November 26, 2023 at 5:30 AM Published Fri, November 24, 2023 at 2:09 PM

The UP Fighting Maroons defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles 57-46 in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball semifinals, securing their third consecutive finals appearance.

This victory halted Ateneo's streak of six consecutive finals appearances and dethroned them as defending champions.

Rookie Francis Lopez, an Ateneo high school product, scored a clutch lefty layup to push UP's lead to 55-46 with 32.6 seconds left, sealing the win.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf powered UP with 12 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals.

Francis Lopez also contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.

UP will face the La Salle Green Archers in the championship after they defeated the National University Bulldogs 97-73 in the other semifinal match.

Mark Nonoy spearheaded La Salle's offense with 20 points, while Kevin Quiambao added 17 points.

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UAAP University of the Philippines De La Salle University Ateneo de Manila University UP Fighting Maroons Ateneo Blue Eagles La Salle Green Archers NU Bulldogs Kevin Quiambao

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