Ricci Rivero scored 17 points inside the last five minutes of regulation and overtime on Sunday to lead University of the Philippines past La Salle, 92-85, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.
Rivero finished with 28 points that went with eight rebounds, rescuing the Maroons from what could have been a costly blunder by veteran guard Jun Manzo inside the final 13.3 seconds of regulation, which ended at 74-all.
Manzo elected to go coast-to-coast on a 3-on-1 transition play where he had Rivero and Javi Gomez De Liaño in the wings.
Coach Bo Perasol did a good job in urging his players to shrug off the misplay and Rivero responded by hitting a fadeaway jumper in the lane to draw first blood for UP in overtime.
Once the Fighting Maroons took a one-point lead 80-79 off an undergoal stab by Manzo following a nifty feed by Rivero, UP would not surrender the lead.
UP outscored La Salle, 10-4, in the final minute of overtime for its second win in three outings.
Gomez De Liaño returned to active duty after missing the Maroons’ first two games to add 25 while Manzo chipped in with 18 points.
Justine Baltazar led the Green Archers with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
“For us to win, we will need everyone to help out,” said Perasol. “I am happy that a lot of the players helped out with the win as Juan Gomez De Liaño (back spasms) and Kobe Paras (sprained ankle) were not able to play.”