New-Look UP Beats UST 92-85 in UAAP Season 89 Opener

New-Look UP Rallies Past UST, 92-85, as UAAP Season 89 Basketball Opens

The University of the Philippines opened its UAAP Season 89 men's basketball campaign with a 92-85 win over the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Francis Nnoruka posted 18 points and 12 rebounds for a Fighting Maroons squad missing five members of its previous core.

By Sampaguita News Staff

Newsroom

Sep 13, 20261 min read

Key Facts

UP beat UST 92-85 on September 13, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UP trailed 48-44 at halftime before outscoring UST 22-14 in the third quarter.

Francis Nnoruka had 18 points and 12 rebounds for UP.

UST's Mark Llemit scored 19 points, while Collins Akowe had 13 points and 18 rebounds.

UP played without Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda and Reyland Torres from its previous core.

The University of the Philippines began a new chapter in its basketball program with a 92-85 victory over the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, September 13, in the opening weekend of UAAP Season 89 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons played without five members of their previous core: Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda and Reyland Torres.

Third-quarter turnaround

UST led 48-44 at halftime, but UP outscored the Growling Tigers 22-14 in the third quarter to take a 66-62 lead. The Maroons extended their advantage to 85-74 with 2:27 remaining before holding on.

Francis Nnoruka led UP with 18 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Rey Remogat and Migs Yñiguez each added 11 points.

For UST, Mark Llemit scored 19 points and Amiel Acido had 18. Collins Akowe finished with 13 points and 18 rebounds.

Other opening results

Defending champion De La Salle University escaped National University in its title-defense opener, while Adamson University completed a comeback against Far Eastern University.

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