UP's Harold Alarcon. UAAP MediaMANILA, Philippines – Veteran guard Harold Alarcon has found a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their Final Four campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.

After a couple of underwhelming performances, Alarcon found his stride, resetting his career-high on Wednesday to help University of the Philippines (UP) fend off the Final Four-seeking University of the East (UE), 77-67, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Alarcon fired 16 of his 33 in the fourth quarter, essentially denying the Red Warriors' hopes of an outright playoff berth in the UAAP.

READ: UAAP: Alarcon carries UP past UE to end elims on sweet note

But for the UP guard, it's all about regaining his confidence for the next round, where they will face University of Santo Tomas (UST).

"Siguro, for me, last three games, yung confidence ko, parang shaky. Siguro, sa game na ito, parang naipon na lang ang the past three games kaya big help na rin sa sarili ko and sa mentality. Big boost siya papunta sa Final Four," Alarcon told select reporters.

Alarcon also said the Fighting Maroons are dedicating this season to their captain, JD Cagulangan.

READ: UAAP: Cagulangan drains timely baskets as UP ousts FEU from Final 4 race

"Malaking bagay talaga siya, lalo na para kay Maimai [Cagulangan], inaalay namin ang season na ito para kay Maimai. 'Yun nga, palaging nire-remind niya na last season niya, gusto niya pumasok sa Final Four na ang momentum ay okay. Kaya, last games kailangan talagang manalo," Alarcon asserted.

The 6-foot-1 Maroon said there is "gigil" for them to bounce back after failing to win the chip the last two seasons, but the veterans were there to support them and keep the team's composure.

"Gigil. Kasi last two seasons talo kami. 'Yung composure namin, nandyan--'yung maturity, dala ni Maimai [Cagulangan], ni Gerry [Abadiano], pati na ng veterans, napapasa sa players."