UP's Francis Nnoruka in action. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of the Philippines has clinched back-to-back wins for the first time this UAAP Season 88.
The Fighting Maroons unleashed a second half fightback to punish National University, 66-59, in the Season 88 men's basketball tournament, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The win was also a welcome development for the UP side, which had struggled previously in the UST venue,
READ: UAAP: Figueroa takes charge late, powers NU past UST
State U blasted Jeff Napa's wards with a dominant 22-2 run—capped by a Harold Alarcon jumper—from the third to fourth quarter to pull away and never look back.
With the loss, NU's dream run has ended—their best start in the Final Four era.
READ: UAAP: UP tallies breakthrough win at UE’s expense as Noy Remogat ends slump
The defending champions, led by Francis Nnoruka who dropped 14 points, six rebounds, and one steal, upped their record to 2-2 after the NU win and their triumph over University of the East, 92-75, last Sunday.
Gani Stevens tallied 10 points and five rebounds, while Harold Alarcon and Miguel Yniguez had timely contributions as well during that UP run, listing eight points each in total.
Nash Enriquez paced his squad with 16 points and four assists, as Gelo Santiago also breached double-digit territory with 10 markers.
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