Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons stretched their winning streak to three after dominating the still winless University of the East Red Warriors, 81-66, in UAAP Season 84 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Xavier Lucero and Ricci Rivero starred for the Maroons’ balanced game with each chipping in 14 points to improve their record to 3-1.
The court dominance of UP was flashed early in the first quarter after building a big 17-point lead, 31-14, with CJ Cansino all scoring his 10 points there.
The Red Warriors failed to stop the bleeding in the next quarters as the Maroons displayed their relentless defense and shooting grit, which propelled them to their biggest lead at 30 points in the third quarter.
UE top scorer Clint Escamis had a highlight game with 16 points and six steals while Kyle Paranada registered 13 markers for their squad that is now at 0-4.
The Goldwin Monteverde-coached Fighting Maroons will shoot for their fourth straight win against Adamson Soaring Falcons on Tuesday at 1 p.m., while the Red Warriors look to get their first victory of the season against FEU Tamaraws at 4 p.m.
The Scores:
UP 81 – Lucero 14, Rivero 14, Cansino 10, Tamayo 8, Diouf 7, Spencer 7, Calimag 6, Cagulangan 4, Abadiano 2, Webb 2, Eusebio 2, Lina 2, Catapusan 2, Fortea 1, Alarcon 0.
UE 66 – Escamis 16, K. Paranada 13, Pagsanjan 12, Catacutan 5, Lorenzana 5, Pascual 5, Guevarra 4, Tulabut 2, Sawat 2, Beltran 1, P. Cruz 1, Abatayo 0, N. Paranada 0, J. Cruz 0, Antiporda 0.
Quarterscores: 31-14, 50-32, 71-45, 81-66
