Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons flaunted their superior strength against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 96-67, in UAAP Season 84 on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Four Maroons scored in double figures, with flashy guard Ricci Rivero leading the way with 15 points.
CJ Cansino contributed 14 points, along with five rebounds while MVP candidate Zavier Lucero put up 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Reserve guard RC Calimag displayed his best game as a Maroon with 10 points, making all his attempts save for one.
UP displayed its solid game early in the first quarter; their offensive aggressiveness and defensive pressure against UST giving them a 26-11 lead.
The Tigers failed to respond to the Maroons’ well-balanced attack as the Diliman-based cagers tallied their biggest lead at 33 points.
The Goldwin Monteverde-mentored UP side showed their dominance in both points off turnovers (25-4) and fastbreak points (31-6).
Miguel Pangilinan was the lone standout for the eliminated UST, having scored 21 points. The Espana-based dribblers dropped to 3-10, seventh place in the team standings.
UP hopes to snap Ateneo De Manila University’s 39-game winning streak on Saturday at 7 p.m., while UST seeks to end their Season 84 campaign with a win against Far Eastern University at 12:30 p.m.
The Scores:
UP 96 – Rivero 15, Cansino 14, Lucero 13, Calimag 10, Cagulangan 9, Tamayo 7, Alarcon 7, Fortea 6, Diouf 6, Spencer 3, Catapusan 2, Ramos 2, Webb 2, Abadiano 0, Lina 0.
UST 67 – Pangilinan 21, Gomez de Liaño 9, Mantua 6, Ando 6, Manalang 5, Cabañero 4, Fontanilla 4, Manaytay 4, Concepcion 3, Herrera 3, Canoy 2, Sumodio 0, Yongco 0, Gesalem 0.
Quarterscores: 26-11, 53-33, 73-53, 96-67
