Zavier Lucero and Ricci Rivero bailed University of the Philippines out of trouble in the final period as the Fighting Maroons marched to their seventh straight victory, a 84-76 repulsing of the National University Bulldogs on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Their big games in the last seven minutes with two others kept the Maroons in second spot at the start of the second round of the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Lucero and Rivero combined for 12 points in the final quarter and their leadership on the floor gave UP the win and the 7-1 win-loss slate.
The two stepped in right after a trey from Bulldog John Lloyd Clemente with 6:31 left allowed NU to come close, 66-68.
But driving shots from Lucero and an inspired Rivero, along with contributions from the top-scoring Carl Tamayo and Joel Cagulangan, saw UP taking a 12-point edge on a 10-0 blast for a 78-66 edge at the 3:52 mark.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde gave credit to the team’s hard work and for coming up with one of their best performances since 2004 when the Fighting Maroons had a six-game winning run.
“Dala na rin ng hard work ng buong team. Kung ano man napapansin sa situation namin ngayon, nangyari lang ‘yan because as a team, lagi namin tina-trabaho lahat,” said Monteverde.
Tamayo eked out a career-high game for UP with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, while Lucero banged in 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.
Rivero had 16 points to go six rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Cagulangan tallied eight assists, seven points, three rebounds and a steal.
Clemente shot 18 points for NU, which snapped a two-game winning streak to fall to 4-4 and stay in fourth.
Rookie Matty Erolon scored the game-winning three with three seconds left for the Adamson Falcons, who put away Far Eastern University, 64-63. Both teams now share the same 3-5 slate.