UP boots out La Salle, sets FilOil preseason finals vs NU

New UP Fighting Maroons player Rey Remogat delivered crucial late-game plays to secure an 83-78 victory over the previously unbeaten La Salle Green Archers in the FilOil Preseason Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 13, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

With UP trailing 72-73, Remogat, a former UE star, hit a three-pointer with 59 seconds remaining to give UP a 75-73 lead. He followed this with another three-pointer with 23 seconds left, extending the lead to 78-73. UP captain Gerry Abadiano then sealed the win with an insurance basket and free throws.

The win propels the defending champion Fighting Maroons into the tournament finals, where they will face the NU Bulldogs, who defeated UST in the other semifinal.

Remogat finished the game with 14 points, including 3-of-13 shooting from the field, with 9 of those points coming in the decisive fourth quarter after scoring only 5 in the first three periods. UP head coach Goldwin Monverde noted Remogat processed the game well and is still adjusting within the team.

Remogat stated his clutch performance was about repaying the trust given to him by the team, crediting teammates for encouraging him not to lose confidence in his shots during the game.

Key contributions also came from Gerry Abadiano and Gani Stevens, who each scored 12 points. Francis Nnoruka provided significant support off the bench with 6 points and 16 rebounds, helping UP counter La Salle's strong frontcourt.