UAAP: UP holds off Ateneo to secure eighth straight Final Four berth

University of the Philippines’ Veejay Pre against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — University of the Philippines held off Ateneo de Manila University, 82-74, to become the first team to clinch a Final Four berth in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Fighting Maroons secured their eighth straight postseason appearance and clinched their ninth win in 11 outings, with Veejay Pre leading the way with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.

Earl Dimaculangan and Reiner Maga added 13 points apiece, while James Payosing chipped in seven points, including a crucial fastbreak layup with 53 seconds left that extended UP’s lead to 79-74.

Dikachi Udodo also played a key role for the Fighting Maroons, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds as UP stretched its win streak to seven games.

Ateneo still had opportunities to cut the deficit, but Travis Roberts missed a three-pointer before Maga split his free throws and Jacob Bayla soared for a fastbreak slam to effectively seal the victory.

Kieffer Alas paced the Blue Eagles with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals but shot just 4-of-12 from the field as Ateneo fell to its sixth loss.