The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons needs only one more win to become back-to-back champions in the UAAP Men's Basketball Tournament.
The Maroons defeated the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles, 72-66, on Sunday, December 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to draw first blood in the best-of-three finals series.
Zavier Lucero registered 14 points and 11 rebounds while JD Cagulangan added 12 points to the victory of the defending champions.
Rence Padrigao scored 16 points while Ange Kouame registered 15 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Eagles in Game One.
UP has a chance to bring home the title when the team faces Ateneo in Game Two on Wednesday, December 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
