Learning from its 69-77 overtime loss to University of the East in the first round, UP did not give NU a chance to attempt a game-tying triple in the dying seconds.

 

With UP clinging to a precarious three-point lead, 78-75, Moriah Gingerich fouled NU’s Joseph Hermosisima before he could launch a three-point shot in the final two seconds.

 

After sinking his first free throw, Hermosisima intentionally missed his second attempt but NU failed to follow-up that could have sent the game into overtime.

 

“We have learned from our loss to UE. I specifically gave instruction to foul before they (NU Bulldogs) could attempt. I’d rather give up two free throws than a three-point shot in that kind of situation,” UP coach Aboy Castro said.

 

In that overtime loss, UP watched UE’s Val Acuna sink a game-tying triple at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime where the Red Warriors wrested control.

 

UP trailed NU in the first half but a near bench-clearing melee helped the Fighting Maroons turn their fortunes around.

 

Migs Maniego, who erupted for 15 points in the first half, was involved in a scuffle with NU’s Joseph Terso at 5:24 mark of the second period. The shoving escalated as Jewel Ponferrada and Jerome Tungcul entered the court to join the melee.

 

Ponferrada and Tungcul were assessed with disqualifying fouls for leaving the bench while Maniego, Terso and NU Coach Manny Dandan were each slapped with a technical foul.

 

Without Ponferrada inside the paint for NU, the Fighting Maroons pounded the hapless Bulldogs in the third canto as they took a 78-69 lead going into the payoff period.

 

The Maroons exploded for 33 points on an eye-popping 82 percent shooting from the field in that game-turning third period.

 

Martin Reyes poured in 15 of his team-high 17 points in the second half to lead UP to its second win of the season.

 

Hermosisima saw his career-high 25 points went for naught as NU went down to 2-5 tying UP and Adamson Falcons at the cellar.

 

The Scores:

 

UP 78 – Martin Reyes 17, Maniego 15, Mikee Reyes 14, Sison 10, Co 10, Padilla 4, Carlo 2, Gamboa 2, Astorga 2, Lopez 1, Juruena 1, Gingerich 0, Braganza 0.

 

NU 76 – Hermosisima 25, Cabaluna 18, Singh 10, Baloran 8, Manito 7, Terso 4, Ponferrada 2, Magat 1, Luy 1, Tungcul 0, Roy 0, Fabula 0, Batac 0.

 

Quarters: 22-23, 35-43, 68-59, 78-76.