Maroons on brink of glory

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines doused cold water on the previously red-hot La Salle, stamping a 97-67 statement win in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finals yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After a close duel in the early goings of their first-ever UAAP title showdown, the Fighting Maroons waxed hot bridging the second and third quarters and cruised to 1-0 lead in the short best-of-three face-off.

UP stopped La Salle’s nine-game romp including a sweep of the second round, and the Maroons now sport a chance to win their second title in the last three seasons in Game 2 this Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Harold Alarcon rifled in 21 points on 6-of-9 field shooting and 8-of-9 clip from the charity stripe as the vengeful UP, runner-up to Ateneo last season, handed La Salle a 30-point beating in the most lopsided Game 1 win in the UAAP Final Four era.

Francis Lopez hauled down a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while JD Cagulangan (11) and Gerry Abadiano (10) chipped in key contributions. Former MVP Malick Diouf and Aldous Torculas added nine each.

“The team really executed the game plan. We just have to sustain it. The finals will not be won in one game. It’s a series so we have to be ready,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde, whose wards won their third straight Game 1 win in as many finals appearances under his watch.

Meanwhile, Santo Tomas stunned seven-time reigning champion National U, 76-72, to zero in on the UAAP women’s basketball crown.

Five players hit twin digits led by Kent Pastrana with 15 points as the Growling Tigresses snapped a 20-game, 11-year losing skid against the Lady Bulldogs who have an eighth straight title in mind.

The girls from España last won against the Lady Bulldogs way back on Aug. 31, 2012.

, by virtue of a 74-73 victory.

Santo Tomas also handed NU its first finals defeat since 2013 when it bowed to La Salle, 69-61, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 76 finale before sweeping all its seven championships since then.

Standing at the forefront of Growling Tigresses’ historic win was Pastrana, who aside from anchoring their onslaught added six rebounds and four steals.

Veteran