The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons’ late-game heroics came alive yet again as they escaped the valiant Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws with a hard-fought 73-70 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.
The maroon-and-white improves to an 8-1 standing behind the undefeated Ateneo Blue Eagles. Both teams are on the cusp of securing the first two spots in the Final Four this season.
State U endured a slow start to the game but was kept afloat by Ricci Rivero’s sharp three-point shooting display. While the team co-captain caught fire early, the momentum was doused by their poor free-throw shooting and recurring turnovers.
The Tamaraws’ defensive consistency slowed the Fighting Maroons’ offensive to take a narrow three-point lead at halftime.
FEU kept a three-point edge until late in the third as UP recharged to ignite a 7-0 run to eventually take the lead at 57-53.
The closing frame featured a back-and-forth affair with both teams trading shots up to the final buzzer, but a failed game-winning attempt from RJ Abarrientos ultimately sealed the win for UP.
UP Men’s Basketball Team players CJ Cansino and Ricci Rivero, and head coach Goldwin Monteverde face the media after their victory over FEU on April 19.
Rivero led the way for the Fighting Maroons with a game-high 19 points to go with five rebounds and two assists. Carl Tamayo and CJ Cansino both raked up double-digit scoring performances with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Rookie Harold Alarcon made a strong impression for the maroon shirts with eight vital points late in the game.
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde said UP’s eight-game winning streak is in large part due to the dedication from his players despite notable inconsistencies.
“Ang importante, when it matters most, kumbaga yung mga players, the players who really did their job, na nakapag-execute offensively and nakapag-stop sila nung defense,” Monteverde said.
The Fighting Maroons will vie to extend its unbeaten run against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Thursday.
QUARTER SCORES: 16-17, 34-37, 57-54, 73-70
