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Mon 10 February 2025

UP marks Popoy era with win

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The University of the Philippines (UP) gifted their new manager with a chase down win, downing the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 2-1, to start UAAP Season 86 victorious on Sunday’s football action on the Maroons’ home turf.

Polishing their one-touch offense in the second half, returning striker Austin Basconcillo headed in the winning goal in the 72nd minute off a nifty header pass by Ramil Bation III in a 1-2-3 play.

Eleven minutes earlier, Francis Tacardon struck the tying goal, also off the third ball, with John Cena Donato assisting.

The second half Maroon goals negated the early 17th minute goal by UST’s Andrew Ramos off a left cross by Chris Valderama.

“That’s what matters to us, yung everyone is contributing for the team,” said newly promoted UP manager Popoy Clarino, who replaced three-time UAAP champion manager Anto Gonzales starting in the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

“Coach Anto has already established the tradition. He established a program na sumalo na lang ako. And this group of players are like the 2015 to 2018 team even with a lot of new players who are stepping up,” Gonzales’ long-time deputy concluded.

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