UP bows out of AUBL after quarterfinal loss to Tsinghua

University of the Philippines saw its maiden Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) campaign come to an end after falling to host Tsinghua University, 85-81, in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China.

The Fighting Maroons finished their inaugural appearance in the regional collegiate tournament with a 1-2 record, narrowly missing out on a semifinal berth against last year's runners-up.

UP remained within striking distance for most of the contest, but Tsinghua came through in the closing minutes with timely baskets and key defensive stops to fend off every Fighting Maroons rally.

Noy Remogat led UP with 19 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Veejay Pre recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

American import Dieonte Miles added 10 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Chicco Briones scored eight points. Gani Stevens contributed seven points and seven rebounds.

Shi Kui paced Tsinghua with a game-high 26 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Yu Haotian added 15 points, while Liu Qingwen finished with 10 and He Wenwei chipped in eight.

With the victory, Tsinghua advanced to the semifinals, where it will face Shanghai Jiao Tong University. National Chengchi University and Waseda University will meet in the other semifinal matchup.