MANILA, Philippines–Thrice, University of the Philippines found itself backed to a corner against a stubborn Adamson that refused to be shoved aside by the difference in team standings.

The Maroons simply had an answer each time. A 10-0 run to climb out of a second-quarter hole to take the lead at the break. Gani Stevens catching a break in the third quarter and helping an 11-6 burst that wiped out a slim deficit and grab the lead heading into the final quarter.

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And then in the fourth, the Maroons knocked the wind from under the Falcons’ wings through Mark Belmonte, Quentin Millora-Brown and a defense that gave UP a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

READ: UAAP: La Salle, UP still on top as Final Four scramble heats up

UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, Gani Stevens, and JD Cagulangan after reaching the Final Four in the #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LpVOovxMl2

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 27, 2024

“This was a clinching semifinal game so you know, it’s something that we’re gonna celebrate tonight, so to speak, but at the same time the goal is … to make the Finals and we are giving ourselves an opportunity for that,” said Maroons assistant coach Christian Luanzon after a 70-59 victory over Adamson, the team’s eighth win in nine outings.

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Stevens showcased UP’s depth as the Maroons searched for a big man to give relief to Millora-Brown, who faced early foul worries. The former University of the East standout came through with crucial baskets in the third to fight off a Falcons squad attempting to wrest control of the game and finished with 10 points without missing a shot from the field.

“I just tried to find that rhythm I had and it’s nice to finally [make baskets,” Stevens said after the game at Mall of Asia Arena. “I’ve been working hard these past two weeks, really focusing on our defense and executing and seeing that translate to games.”

Before Sunday, Stevens, who sat out a year for residency purposes, has scored only four points in UP’s last eight games.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

Adamson leaned on a triple to threaten at 58-57 under the four-minute mark of the game but UP run away with 12 straight games to sink its foe to a 3-7 (win-loss) mark.

Belmonte had a short pushed shot and a three-point play, then found Millora-Brown twice for a basket and a authoritative slam that put the Maroons irreversibly ahead, 70-58.

In between those baskets, Gerry Abadiano forced a traveling on Joshua Yerro while Mathew Montebon, yielding to UP’s pressure defense, committed the Falcons’ 28th turnover.

“For coach Gold, this is something that he’s been doing since he started coaching. For him, it’s more than just the results. It’s all about the improvement ng team and even after this win, still to improve,” Luanzon said.