UP Maroons defeat Ateneo 77-61, eye top UAAP spot

The Fighting Maroons of the University of the Philippines (UP) secured their first win of the UAAP Season 87 by defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a 77-61 victory.

JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez led UP's offense, while rookie Quentin Millora-Brown dominated on defense with 17 rebounds.

The Maroons are expected to steamroll through their next match against University of the East (UE Red Warriors) on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum due to UE's lack of height, depth and experience.

UP aims to build on this win as they look to make it a three-way tie at the top in the young elimination round.

Cagulangan expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy by winning another championship under coach Goldwin Monteverde in his final year with UP.