Games on Saturday (The Arena)
2 p.m. – NU vs UE
4 p.m. – FEU vs La Salle

University of the East rallied from behind in the payoff period to beat upset-conscious University of the Philippines, 81-72, and earn a Final Four berth in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Trailing by nine points, veterans Paul Lee and Val Acuna starred in a vicious 14-6 windup to complete their amazing comeback that enabled them to join early semifinalists Ateneo (11-1) and Far Eastern University (10-2).

"Now we're praying na may chance kami sa No. 2. Wala na sa kamay naming ’yun so this game was important," said UE coach Lawrence Chongson, whose team improved to 8-4.

For the Warriors to claim the second twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, they have to win their two remaining games in the elims and hope that FEU drops their last two matches.

Lee and Acuna made nine points each in the fourth quarter to finish with 21 and 17 points, respectively, as the Warriors notched their fourth straight win.

"Kaya nga Fighting Maroons sila e because they keep on fighting but Val bailed us out again and Paul put on the finishing touches," said Chongson.

Acuna started the team’s rally when he hit three consecutive triples to tie the game at 66-all with 6:19 to go.

After the Warriors took a one-point lead, Lee completed a three-point play off Woody Co with a minute left after receiving a long pass from Pari Llagas to extend the lead to four, 76-72.

"We practiced that at ginagawa na naming yan every once in a while," said Chongson.

Elmer Espiritu had 16 points and eight rebounds while Llagas was starved for six points but hauled down 12 rebounds.

Former RP Youth member Mark Lopez led UP with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists, rookie Mikee Reyes scored 12 while Magi Sison and Co chipped in 11 markers.

The Maroons fell to 3-9.

The scores:
First Game
UE 81 – Lee 21, Acuna 17, Espiritu 16, Llagas 6, Lingganay 6, Bandaying 6, Tagarda 5, Zamar 2, Reyes 2, Flores 0, Ayala 0, Alabanza 0, Acibar 0.
UP 72 - Lopez 14, Reyes Mi. 12, Sison 11, Co 11, Reyes 10, Padilla 9, Astorga 3, Maniego 2, Juruena 0, de Asis 0, Braganza 0.
Quarters: 22-25; 42-31; 55-61; 81-72.