After taming a first-half scare, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons launched themselves into the UAAP Season 84 winning column with a 98-82 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 29.
UP’s steady start quickly went south as UST racked up four three-pointers to mount a 15-0 run in the first quarter. As State U struggled with their poor defensive rhythm, the Growling Tigers stretched their lead to 13 points in the second frame.
Shortly before halftime, the Fighting Maroons responded with eight straight points to trim the deficit to six at break. The maroon-and-white went on to turn tables in the third quarter with a spirited offense that banked on UST’s turnovers. Ahead of the last quarter, the Fighting Maroons had a stable lead of 88-67 against UST.
UP’s 36-point production in the third frame marks the highest quarter scoring performance by any team in this season so far. Moreover, their 98-point game score was inching the century mark, which was last hit by UST in their Season 82 match against the University of the East.
Zav Lucero flaunted his versatility on the court with 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Graduating player Ricci Rivero led the team to victory with 19 points, three rebounds and two steals to his name.
READ: Top Fil-Am recruit Zav Lucero a UPMBT ‘game-changer’
Meanwhile, Sherwin Concepcion and Joshua Fontanilla fronted the Growling Tigers’ shorthanded efforts with 19 and 17 points, respectively, as their team remains winless after two games.
UP Men’s Basketball Team players Zav Lucero and CJ Cansino, and head coach Goldwin Monteverde speak to the media after their first win of UAAP Season 84 in their match against UST on March 29.
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde underscored the team’s redemption from their opening day loss. He commends the squad for “playing like a team,” especially after a daunting start against their Season 82 final four tormentors.
“Every game is important for us. We’ve always approached every team with the same manner [at] paghahandaan namin [sila] nang maayos,” Monteverde said during the postgame interview.
The Fighting Maroons look to maintain their winning form as they square up against the National University Bulldogs on March 31.
QUARTER SCORES: 16-25, 42-48, 78-63, 98-82
