UP’s JD Cagulangan. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — The University of the Philippines (UP) is now in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Final Four.

The Fighting Maroons' path to redemption received a huge boost after they defeated Adamson University, 70-59, during their Sunday afternoon showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

JD Cagulangan led UP with 17 points, three rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while Gani Stevens posted a 10-point, four-rebound game.

Despite their win, Cagulangan challenged his teammates to avoid complacency, especially since they are still hoping to also equip themselves with a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

"Nandun yung part na, siguro may kumpyansa masyado kami, and medyo relaxed especially galing kami sa break," the senior ace said during the postgame presser. 

"So siguro, kailangan naming tanggalin yung ganun. Kailangan ibalik kung paano kami nag start nung season, na every start ng game eh diin kami agad," he added. 

Only a 58-57 game in the fourth period as Joshua Yerro made a trey, Mark Belmonte converted an and-one to increase State U's advantage to 61-57 with only 3:28 in the contest.

Adamson had multiple chances to stay within fighting distance in their next possessions, but they committed errors that eventually allowed the Maroons to extend their run to 12.

Abadiano pushed their lead to seven, 64-57, while Belmonte and Quentin Millora-Brown imposed their way in the paint for a 70-57 advantage. 

This, according to UP deputy Christian Luanzon, was a product of how the Fighting Maroons adjusted and regained their footing midway through the fourth.

"The players responded," he said.  "The ball was moving. They were making better reads, and therefore, we were getting open looks, especially underneath."

UP improved to 8-1 after this game, and it is now in the semifinals, together with its modern-day rival De La Salle University. 

On the other hand, Adamson is now at 3-7 and has absorbed its fifth straight loss. 

Monty Montebon led the Falcons with 14, while AJ Fransman and Ced Manzano finished with 13 and 12, respectively

THE SCORES:

UP 70 – Cagulangan 17, Stevens 10, Fortea 9, Belmonte 9, Abadiano 7, Millora-Brown 4, Torres 4, Bayla 3, Ududo 3, Lopez 2, Felicilda 2, Torculas 0, Alter 0.

Adamson 59 – Montebon 14, Fransman 13, Manzano 12, Yerro 6, Mantua 5, Ojarikre 4, Calisay 3, Ignacio 2, Anabo 0, Alexander 0, Ronzone 0.

Quarterscores: 17-20, 38-31, 55-48, 70-59.