The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are getting confident, believing that they might just make it to the Final Four semifinals this time.
Fighting Maroons’ coach Bo Perasol expressed his confidence on the team after they held off the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 95-82, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
In taking their second straight win in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament, UP improved its win-loss record to 5-5 and has tied FEU in fourth place.
The Tamaraws, playing without Prince Orizu because of injury and Arvin Tolentino due to suspension, slumped to their third straight loss.
“This is a big win for us not only as far as the standings are concerned,” said Perasol.
In this game, the Maroons drew big numbers from Paul Desiderio, who came up with a career-high 31 points against the undermanned Tams after averaging 11.9 points.
Desiderio drilled in 18 points to lead UP to a 54-43 halftime edge.
“I have to make sure to commend Paul in his very hot start. It gave us the confidence that we can do it,” added Perasol.
UP aims to stretch its winning streak to three in a row when they meet the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sunday.
If they prevail, the Fighting Maroons will further improve their chances of reaching the Final Four.