Zavier Lucero relishes first PBA showdown vs Henry Galinato

NorthPort Batang Pier rookie Zavier Lucero in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Northport’s Zavier Lucero had fun on Friday when he and the Batang Pier faced TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum.

Well, it wasn’t just because the rising Batang Pier stunned Tropang Giga with a 112-96 blowout victory.

It was also because he faced his University of the Philippines teammate Henry Galinato at the professional level for the first time.

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While this was not the first time facing each other in general, Lucero said the vibe that was once there when they squared off before their UP days was back when they took the hard court.

“I’ve played against him back in the States before we got to UP. It’s always fun to be around each other, hang around and talk. Guarding him is fun too and adds a little bit more competition, for sure,” said the young forward.

TNT Tropang Giga’s Henry Galinato in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

“It’s all good friendship with us.”

READ: PBA: NorthPort dumps TNT to sustain strong run

Galinato produced more than Lucero with seven points and 11 rebounds. Lucero only notched six points and nine boards.

But it was Lucero who had the last laugh in their inaugural PBA showdown as the Batang Pier cruised to their fourth straight win and a 4-1 record. Tropang Giga dropped to 2-3.

“It was fun, it had a good atmosphere, they’re a good team. It’s good that we came out with the win, we were on our A game so we came out with the win convincingly,” Lucero said.

Lucero and Galinato shared the court for the Fighting Maroons in Season 85 where UP would ultimately bow to Ateneo in three games of the Finals.