UP's Harold Alarcon in action against UST in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, November 5, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA (UPDATED) — Harold Alarcon found his rhythm just in time as University of the Philippines outlasted University of Santo Tomas, 89-88, in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The sweet-shooting veteran fired 10 of his 22 points in the final canto to steer the Fighting Maroons to their seventh win in 10 games, claiming the current solo-second in the team standings as the Final 4 race heats up.
"Marami kaming struggling nung first half, so nung fourth, whatever na hinarap sa akin ng defense, talagang kinuha ko lang," said Alarcon, who made 16 of his total production in the last 20 minutes of action.
"Yung tough games na ganito will really prepare us moving forward," added UP coach Goldwin Monteverde as they avenged their 67-87 opening day loss to the Growling Tigers
Also starring for State U was Noy Remogat who had 19 points with three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Migs Yniguez caught fire with 11 markers on 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc as they recorded their third straight win.
Down 87-88 with under 30 seconds left, Alarcon drained one of his many mid-range jumpers to put UP ahead, 89-88.
Amiel Acido then missed two attempts which could have been go-ahead baskets, and while Collins Akowe grabbed another offensive glass to give UST another shot to steal the game, the bruising big man went on to turn the ball over as the buzzer sounded.
Akowe led the Growling Tigers with a 26-point, 16-rebound outing, but these went for naught as they fell to their fourth straight loss, and fifth overall in 10 games so far.
Nic Cabañero finished with 18 points but with four turnovers, while Forth Padrigao was limited to two points and six assists as he prematurely exited the contest with ankle issues.
The España-based squad also blew several chances at the free throw line, where they managed to convert just 28 of a whopping 52 attempts.
The Scores:
UP 89 – Alarcon 22, Remogat 19, Yñiguez 11, Belmonte 9, Nnoruka 6, Palanca 5, Stevens 5, Bayla 4, Fortea 4, Abadiano 2, Torres 2, Alter 0, Briones 0.
UST 88 – Akowe 26, Cabañero 18, Acido 10, Buenaflor 9, Paranada 8, Llemit 8, Estacio 5, Padrigao 2, Crisostomo 2, Laure 0, Calum 0, Danting 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 45-47, 68-63, 89-83.