After spurts of shocking runs throughout the game, the UP Fighting Maroons picked up their third straight win of the season with an 81-66 coup against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena on April 2.
With an explosive start unlike any of their previous matches, UP delivered a string of three-pointers and a tight defensive stance from the get-go. Their 31-point blast marked their highest opening quarter production of the season yet.
Even with a late 13-2 run from a surging UE squad, UP was quick to pick up the pace, extending their advantage to a season-high 30-point edge in the third quarter, 65-35.
Despite playmaker Kyle Paranada’s valiant efforts to slash UE’s’ 30-point deficit to just 11 by the final frame, State U still prevailed.
Top Fil-Am standout Zav Lucero was named player of the game with 14 points and six rebounds. Graduating senior Ricci Rivero added 14 points and three steals to mark the duo’s second time atop the Fighting Maroons’ score sheets.
READ: Top Fil-Am recruit Zav Lucero a UPMBT ‘game-changer’
“I’m just focused on building this team. We still have a long way to go. If I can do well [for the team], that’s good. But hopefully we can keep getting more wins and [our focus] as we go through this season,” said Lucero.
UP Men’s Basketball Team players Zav Lucero and CJ Cansino, and head coach Goldwin Monteverde speak to the media in a post-game conference after their victory over UE on April 2.
UP MBT head coach Goldwin Monteverde highlighted how the maroon shirts’ defensive consistency is just as vital as offensive firepower.
“We moved the ball better today. As a team, nag-iimprove kami and we just have to be consistent with the effort we give sa upcoming games,” said Monteverde.
The Fighting Maroons will take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on April 5 as the UAAP re-opens its doors to fans after more than two years.
READ: UAAP to welcome back fans to live events
QUARTER SCORES: 31-14, 50-32, 71-45, 81-66
