MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons exacted revenge on National University Bulldogs, 75-63, in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Zavier Lucero spearheaded the offense with 16 points to go with five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block as the Fighting Maroons tightened its hold of the top spot with 7-1 slate.
Cyril Gonzales had his best game as a Fighting Maroon with 15 points, with 12 coming in the fourth quarter, while James Spencer contributed 11 markers.
Trailing at 62-63 with four minutes in the contest, UP unloaded a 13-0 scoring blast behind Gonzales and Carl Tamayo to turn things around and avenge their first round loss to the Bulldogs.
“We tightened up on defense,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Nung first half, ang daming dribble penetrations n g NU. The guys adjusted well and na-prevent namin yung mga madaming penetrations. “
Michael Malonzo and Steve Nash Enriquez finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as the Bulldogs suffered its second consecutive defeat to drop to 5-3 slate.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Tamaraws overcame a slow start to beat University of the East Red Warriors, 75-68, for their third straight victory and tie their victims with 3-5 slate.
The Red Warriors raced to a 12-0 start and led by as much as 15 in the first half but the Tamaraws uncorked a 21-9 third frame to enter the fourth ahead, 55-51.
Then L-jay Gonzales, Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia, and Patrick Sleat opened the payoff period with 10 straight points to give FEU a commanding 65-51 lead.
Xyrus Torres waxed hot with six three-point conversions to lead the Tamaraws with 22 points, Gonzales had 14 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds as Tchente had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
BOX SCORE:
UP 75 – Lucero 16, Gonzales 15, Spencer 11, Tamayo 8, Galinato 8, Diouf 5, Cagulangan 4, Abadiano 4, Fortea 3, Alarcon 1, Ramos 0, Calimag 0, Lina 0.
NU 63 – Malonzo 12, Enriquez 11, Yu 9, John 8, Baclaan 7, Manansala 4, Palacielo 3, Galinato 3, Clemente 2, Figueroa 2, Minerva 2, Mahinay 0, Tibayan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-22, 37-40, 54-52, 75-63./PN
