By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines blinked in one crucial stretch that led to a painful 85-81 loss to Beijing’s Tsinghua University in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China, Thursday, Aug. 6.
As expected, the game was tight and exciting with Veejay Pre almost silencing the crowd after burying a triple from right corner that knotted the count at 74-all.
That was UP’s last gallant stand as the Chinese unleashed a telling 7-0 run for an 81-74 lead, a separation that they maintained en route to the semifinal.
With the loss, UP was relegated to the classification round, while Tsinghua set up a semis showdown against Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Noy Remogat led the Maroons with 19 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Pre posted a double-double outing of 18 points and 12 rebounds on top of three assists and one block.
Dieonte Miles also contributed with 10 points along with eight rebounds, three blocks, while Gani Stevens chipped in seven points and seven rebounds. James Payosing, for his part, listed four points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, but those efforts went down the drain.
Shi Kui steered Tsinghua with 26 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Yu Haotian and Liu Qingwen added 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Prior to their quarters loss, the Goldwin Monteverde-mentored crew finished with a 1-1 win-loss card in Group B, which was topped by Korea University (2-0), to earn its quarters ticket.
The Maroons are using the event to fine-tune themselves in time for the UAAP season, with the Diliman-based squad eager to get back at the La Salle Archers.
