By MARK REY MONTEJO
Gerry Abadiano displayed veteran poise and carried reigning champion University of the Philippines past De La Salle University, 66-63, to force a rubber match in their UAAP Season 88 men’s finals clash at the full-packed Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Sunday, Dec. 14.
With 22,412 fans in attendance, Game 2 did not disappoint as the match turned physical in the fourth quarter, as Abadiano rose to the occasion and delivered six of his 17 points in the waning minutes, including a jumper that gave the Maroons a 65-62 lead with 1:05 remaining.
With its hard-earned victory, UP arranged a do-or-die clash against La Salle this Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I thought we showed that, come Game 3 Wednesday, one thing you must expect from us, we’re going to give it all,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
“Di ko naman ini-expect ‘yong mga pangyayari, kung ano lang ‘yong ibigay sakin ng depensa… especially last year namin kaya binibigay talaga namin ‘yong best namin,” added Abadiano.
Abadiano also posted two rebounds and one steal, while Francis Nnoruka had a double-double effort of 13 points and 13 rebounds with two blocks and one steal. Gani Stevens and Jacob Bayla added eight and six points, respectively.
Noy Remogat recovered from his measly three-point outing in their 70-74 loss in Game 1, improving his offensive contribution with 12 points that went with one rebound, two assists, and three steals.
Jacob Cortez and Luis Pablo spearheaded La Salle’s attack with 16 and 12 points as the two players were the only double-digit scorers for the Green Archers.
Mike Phillips had eight points and 14 rebounds, while Vhoris Marasigan also chipped in eight points with six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
The scores:
UP 66 – Abadiano 17, Nnoruka 13, Remogat 12, Stevens 8, Bayla 6, Alarcon 5, Felicilda 3, Fortea 2, Yñiguez 0, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Torres 0.
DLSU 63 – Cortez 13, Pablo 12, Marasigan 8, Phillips 8, Macalalag 7, Abadam 4, Gollena 3, Dungo 3, Amos 2, Baclaan 0, Nwankwo 0, Daep 0.
Quarters: 13-20, 35-33, 49-47, 66-63.
