UAAP: UP secures No. 2 seed after rout of UE

MANILA, Philippines–University of the Philippines returned to stringing up victories, taking its turn in beating winless University of the East, 81-68, Tuesday in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.

Their second straight win, 10th in 12 matches, sealed the No. 2 spot for the Maroons behind the unbeaten Ateneo Blue Eagles — no matter if there would be a Final Four playoff or a step-ladder in the next round.

Zav Lucero drilled in 20 points including a three-pointer when the victory has all been secured for UP. Ricci Rivero added 17 markers.

“We’re still working a team — how to get our rhythm and how to execute, which was what we’ve been doing for the whole game earlier,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

The Warriors still played like a lot is at stake but most they could do was cut the lead to nine, 66-57, early in the fourth. The are now in danger of ending the season with a victory to show at 0-12.

The Scores

UP 81 — Lucero 20, Rivero 17, Cansino 8, Tamayo 7, Eusebio 7, Diouf 6, Abadiano 6, Cagulangan 4, Fortea 4, Spencer 2, Calimag 0, Alarcon 0. UE 68 — Antiporda 15, N. Paranada 13, Escamis 9, K. Paranada 8, Beltran 7, Sawat 4, Pagsanjan 4, J. Cruz 3, Villanueva 3, Lorenzana 2, Abatayo 0, Tulabut 0, Guevarra 0, Pascual 0, P. Cruz 0. Quarters: 18-8, 44-26, 59-44, 81-68.

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TAGS: UAAP, UAAP Season 84, UE Red Warriors, UP Fighting Maroons