Maroons rout Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines tamed National U in a battle of unbeaten squads pulling off a 78-60 win to zoom to the solo lead in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Maroons broke the gates wide open in the third quarter and never looked back to stretch their unbeaten run to three games.

Francis Lopez starred with an all-around play of 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block as reigning MVP Malick Diouf scooped another double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Seasoned sniper CJ Cansino banged in 12 points, Harold Alarcon had 10 while JD Cagulangan, Reyland Torres and Gerry Abadiano produced eight points each for the wards of coach Goldwin Monteverde.

It was the third straight double-digit victory for the Maroons after smothering Adamson, 68-51, and University of the East, 84-69, as they pushed their title redemption drive after losing the throne to Ateneo last season.

“We’re happy with this win but we have to keep on improving. It’s just the third game of the season,” said Monteverde, champion and runner-up in his first two seasons in the collegiate level after dominating the high school scene.

Jake Figueroa put up 13 points for the Bulldogs, who absorbed their first defeat in three starts.

Earlier, birthday boy Vince Magbuhos drained a miracle off-balanced trey that rattled into the rim at the buzzer as Adamson claimed the scalp of reigning champion Ateneo, 74-71, in overtime.

Magbuhos finished with 11 points to backstop Eli Ramos and Ced Manzano’s 12 each and help the Falcons secure a thrilling comeback from 19 down and improve to 2-1.

“Nung tinira ni Vince, sabi ko ‘Lord, i-reward mo siya at birthday naman niya. Nakakatuwa,” said mentor Nash Racela, who also needed a big-time trey from Matthew Montebon in regulation to force OT.

“I just want to thank the Lord. Nag-pray ako kaninang umaga at ang hiniling ko sa Kanya, kung meron man Siyang ibibigay na gift ay panalo. Tinupad naman Niya ‘yung prayers ko. Thank you, Lord,” beamed Magbuhos, who celebrated his 24th birthday with a bang.

Rookie Mason Amos had 12 points. to pace the Blue Eagles, who are in