Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 26) — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are now assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 84 men’s seniors basketball tournament after dominating the University of the East Red Warriors, 81-68, Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Zavier Lucero powered the Fighting Maroons with 20 points and 14 rebounds while Ricci Rivero added 17 points and four rebounds.
For the second time in a row, UP will be going into the postseason armed with a semis bonus.
The Fighting Maroons improved to 10-2 in the team standings, trailing unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
UP was in control for most of the game, extending the lead to as high as 20 points late in the match.
Jose Antiporda tallied 15 points while Nico Paranada contributed 13 points for the Red Warriors, who remained winless after 12 outings this season.
The Fighting Maroons will next face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on April 28 while UE tries to snatch a win against the National University Bulldgos on the same day.
The scores:
UP (81) — Lucero 20, Rivero 17, Cansino 8, Tamayo 7, Eusebio 7, Diouf 6, Abadiano 6, Cagulangan 4, Fortea 4, Spencer 2, Calimag 0, Alarcon 0.
UE (68) — Antiporda 15, N. Paranada 13, Escamis 9, K. Paranada 8, Beltran 7, Sawat 4, Pagsanjan 4, J. Cruz 3, Villanueva 3, Lorenzana 2, Abatayo 0, Tulabut 0, Guevarra 0, Pascual 0, P. Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 18-8, 44-26, 59-44, 81-68.
