MANILA, Philippines -- University of the Philippines frustrated Ateneo de Manila, 82-74, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday to secure its eighth straight Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament.
A James Payosing layup off a leaked out and a split from the line by Rainer Maga essentially sealed the win for the Fighting Maroons, who led the Blue Eagles at 80-74 with 45 ticks left.
Jacob Bayla went for a last-gasp dunk to deliver the final count which caused a commotion at the end as Ateneo did not appreciate the basket.
Claiming their seventh straight win, the Fighting Maroons improved to 9-2 to solidify their hold of the top spot.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 5-6 in fifth place.
