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MANILA, Philippines – New UP star Rey Remogat showed why the Fighting Maroons’ UAAP dynasty may just be far from over.
Remogat — the former UE star snagged by UP last year — drained back-to-back threes in the final minute to carry the Maroons past the La Salle Green Archers, 83-78, in the Final Four of the FilOil Preseason Cup at the FilOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday, July 13.
With UP down 72-73, the spitfire guard scored a trey with 59 seconds left to snag the lead, 75-73, before another triple with 23 ticks remaining padded the cushion to five, 78-73.
UP captain Gerry Abadiano then drilled the insurance basket and free throws to deal La Salle its first loss in the tournament and seal the Maroons’ spot in the finale.
The win put the defending champion Maroons back in the tournament finals, where they will look to retain the crown against the NU Bulldogs, who shocked UST in the other semifinal battle.
Remogat finished with 14 points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field, after just scoring 5 points in the first three quarters.
“This game feels like Noy (Remogat) got a better feel,” UP head coach Goldwin Monverde said. “In this game, he processed well what was inside the court for the team.”
“We know he could play, but within the team, more or less, he is getting adjusted.”
For Remogat, his clutch game showed he belongs in the Fighting Maroons, who will look to defend their throne in the upcoming UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
“I just wanted to give back the trust they have given me, especially my teammates inside the court,” he said. “In between quarters, they kept telling me not to lose confidence in my shots. Maybe that’s why I got so much confidence in the fourth quarter.”
Abadiano and big man Gani Stevens each had 12 points. Meanwhile, Francis Nnoruka had 6 points and 16 rebounds off the bench to keep in step with La Salle’s formidable frontcourt.
The Green Archers led by as many as 15 points in the first half, only for the Maroons to close the gap with a 25-11 third-quarter storm, setting up the nerve-wracking fourth frame.
La Salle led by one basket up until the 2:19 mark following Remogat’s free throws, 72-71.
Jacob Cortez then pulled the Green Archers back in the driver’s seat with two charities, before Remogat caught fire from deep.
Cortez topped La Salle’s scoring with 16 points, while backcourt partner Kean Baclaan contributed 14 points.
The Green Archers will take on the Growling Tigers in the battle-for-third matchup, which will prelude the best-of-three title series between UP and NU on Wednesday, July 16, at the same venue.
The Scores
First Game
NU 96 – Figueroa 24, Santiago 13, John 11, Padrones 10, Palacielo 10, Jumamoy 9, Manansala 8, Francisco 6, Dela Cruz 3, Parks 2, Enriquez 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Reyes 0.
UST 84 – Crisostomo 21, Cabanero 14, Paranada 13, Osang 12, Acido 7, Buenaflor 7, Danting 5, Padrigao 3, Estacio 2, Bucsit 0, Laure 0.
Quarters: 22-28, 43-53, 77-71, 96-84.
Second Game
UP 83 – Remogat 14, Abadiano 12, Stevens 12, Alarcon 9, Torres 9, Nnoruka 6, Alter, 6, Briones 6, Belmonte 2, Bayla 2, Gagate 2, Fortea 2, Felicilda 1, Andres 0.
DLSU 78 – Cortez 16, Baclaan 14, Phillips 12, Amos 11, Marasigan 11, Pablo 6, Nwankwo 5, Macalalag 3, Abadam 0, Dungo 0.
Quarters: 15-21, 31-45, 56-56, 83-78.
– Rappler.com
