Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle swingman Ricci Rivero couldn’t contain his emotions after he picked up his fourth foul with still 3:23 left in the second quarter.
His frustrations came to a head with the Green Archers, whose season was on the line, staring at a seemingly insurmountable lead against Ateneo in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 80 Finals.
Rivero burst into tears after his older brother Prince put some sense into him as he walked toward the bench.
READ: La Salle rallies to stun Ateneo, forces UAAP title decider
“Kuya just told me that wasn’t me [who is playing] and that I need to play my game and play relaxed,” Ricci said.
Rivero let loose in the second half, especially in the third quarter, where he led La Salle’s crippling comeback.
The 19-year-old Rivero fired eight of his 18 points in the pivotal third period where the Green Archers ended up outscoring Ateneo, 26-8, and taking a 68-59 lead heading into the final frame.
“The whole time I was on the bench, I was just praying. My teammates just told me to stay positive, trust my teammates and hope for the best,” Ricci, who also collected five rebounds and four assists, said.