UP’s Zavier Lucero. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines banked on its blazing start and displayed its composure down the stretch, staving off University of the East’s late surge, 81-66, for its third straight victory in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Zavier Lucero continued to spell the difference for the Fighting Maroons as he led his team with 14 points, including a lay-up in the 3:46 mark of the third quarter for a 65-35 lead, and collected six rebounds, one assist and a block.
Ricci Rivero also scored 14 from three triples to go with three steals and as many as rebounds, while CJ Cansino delivered 10 points, all coming from the first half, where they led as many as 31-13.
UP center Malick Diouf was also instrumental with seven points, six blocks, six rebounds and three assists to power UP to three straight wins for an improved 3-1 record at solo third.
“Compared to the first game, we moved the ball better today. We continue to improve as a team. We just have to be consistent in exerting effort every game,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde.
UE threatened for a comeback after Kyle Paranada and Clint Escamis conspired for a 17-2 run to trim the lead to just nine, 73-62, in the final four minutes.
Diouf, however, kept the Maroons afloat, scoring his team’s last six points and blocked Paranada’s shot with 38 seconds left to play.
UE remained winless in four matches. Escamis led the team with 16 points, six steals and two assists. Paranada scored all his three triples in the fourth and finished with 13 points, while Harvey Pagsanjan added 12 markers.
The Scores
UP 81 — Lucero 14, Rivero 14, Cansino 10, Tamayo 8, Diouf 7, Spencer 7, Calimag 6, Cagulangan 4, Abadiano 2, Webb 2, Eusebio 2, Lina 2, Catapusan 2, Fortea 1, Alarcon 0.
UE 66 — Escamis 16, K. Paranada 13, Pagsanjan 12, Catacutan 5, Lorenzana 5, Pascual 5, Guevarra 4, Tulabut 2, Sawat 2, Beltran 1, P. Cruz 1, Abatayo 0, N. Paranada 0, J. Cruz 0, Antiporda 0.
Quarters: 31-14, 50-32, 71-45, 81-66.