UP Fighting Maroons secure fourth straight finals berth

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons secured their fourth consecutive finals berth in the UAAP men's basketball Season 87 by defeating the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 78-69, on Saturday, November 30.

Harold Alarcon and Reyland Torres led UP with 16 and 13 points respectively, as UP overcame a tough challenge from UST to advance.

UP turned the tide in the third quarter by outscoring UST 24-15, taking control of the game despite facing strong opposition.

This victory marks UP's fifth Finals appearance in the last six years since Season 81 and comes after breaking their 36-year title drought with a championship win against Ateneo de Manila University in Season 85.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized that this year’s success stems from focusing on each game individually, taking into account past losses as motivation for the upcoming Finals.

The Maroons will face either La Salle or Adamson in the best-of-three series, with La Salle holding a win-once advantage over Adamson.