By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons held their ground and pulled off a comeback win against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 98-82, to grab their first win in the 2022 UAAP men’s seniors’ basketball Season 84.
After being down by as much as 13 points during the 2:30 mark of the second quarter, 30-43, the Fighting Maroons suddenly caught fire behind the offensive prowess of Filipino-American swingman Zav Lucero who was just scorching-hot from the field.
Lucero finished the duel with 18 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists and became one of the biggest revelations in the deep and talented Fighting Maroons pool.
After converting a soaring layup at the start of the third period, Lucero immediately went unconscious and torched the whole UST squad with his wide array of offensive moves.
Lucero’s scoring outburst sparked the entire Fighting Maroons and helped them grab the lead, 51-48, after a transition three-pointer from Ricci Rivero.
It was all downhill for UST after that point as they watched the UP lead balloon to double-digits in the third quarter, 69-58 courtesy of Lucero’s layup.
“I think in the first quarter, UST already had five three-pointers. Credit to the boys, because their defensive adjustment in the second half was great. They were very active and intense,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Gilas Pilipinas forward and UP freshman Carl Tamayo continued his consistent showing in the seniors’ division and dropped 18 points and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, two-way player James Spencer added 11 points while ex-La Salle Green Hills main gunner Joel Cagulangan had six points, nine assists, and five steals.
