16/11/2025
Maroons Soar to Final Four
The UP Menโs Basketball Team tightened their grip on the second seed after outlasting the Adamson Soaring Falcons in a hard-fought matchup, securing a crucial win that officially books them a slot in the Final Four and serves as a payback after Adamson took their first-round meeting earlier in the season.
The UP Fighting Maroons came out firing right from the tipoff, with Francis Nnoruka setting the tone early. The big man opened the game with the first two points on the board and continues to dominate both ends in the entire first half. His presence in the paint and steady scoring gave UP a commanding 20-8 cushion after the opening quarter, putting Adamson on the back foot.
But the Soaring Falcons refused to stay grounded. The second quarter became their rally point as they tightened their defense and found their rhythm offensively. Led by Ray Torres and John Erolon who finished the game with 23 and 19 big points respectively, Adamson trimmed the deficit and stormed back into contention. By halftime, State U's once-wide advantage was cut down to 36-27, with the Falcons trailing by just nine.
Coming into the third quarter, momentum continued to shift. Adamson inched even closer, bringing the lead down to just six points, 50-44, after a series of crucial stops and timely baskets. But UP held the fort, refusing to let go of the driverโs seat.
When it mattered most, the Fighting Maroons turned to their clutch arsenal. Gerry Abadiano stepped up in the dying minutes, delivering steady buckets and crucial plays. He finished with 16 points, providing the spark UP needed to keep Adamson at bay and earning Player of the Game honors.
Adding to the final push was Reyland Torres, who knocked down timely three-pointers and calmly sank all his free throws, giving UP the extra cushion they needed to shut the door on Adamsonโs comeback attempt.
With this victory, the UP Fighting Maroons improve to 9โ3 in the standings, solidifying their spot in the Final Four, joining the NU Bulldogs at the top of the playoff picture.
With their Times Ten spirit, State U aims to keep their rhythm for another Battle of Katipunan against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on November 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The road to the finals continues to heat up with the Times Ten Experience, only here at the beat of the new breed, Maroon FM
Photos by Sophia Serranilla
Write-up by Jil Bancairen
