UP Maroons dominate Ateneo with strong defense

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have secured an 8-1 record in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Basketball Tournament by defeating their rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, despite playing without key players CJ Cansino and JD Cagulangan.

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde credited his team’s defensive performance for limiting Ateneo to only 22-of-47 shooting from the field, with crucial contributions from Francis Lopez and Harold Alarcon in the final minutes.

Ateneo Blue Eagles are struggling with playing chemistry and experience, holding a 4-5 record alongside Adamson University after their loss to UP on Sunday.

Coach Tab Baldwin of Ateneo acknowledged UP's strength in attacking inside the paint and emphasized the need for his team to improve defensive activity.