University of the Philippines geared up for its major clash against defending champions Ateneo de Manila University by walloping also-ran University of Santo Tomas, 96-67, in the second round of the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Thursday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Fighting Maroons raced to an impressive 53-33 cushion at halftime mostly thanks to Ricci Rivero’s 15 points and Zav Lucero’s eight points in the first two periods.
UP then enjoyed its biggest lead in the contest at 92-59 courtesy of an RC Calimag basket with only 2:46 left in the game.
“Ever since nung talo namin sa Adamson, nagamit namin to improve especially yung team game namin,” said UP mentor Goldwin Monteverde. “Yung defense namin awhile ago was doing really good din from the start.”
Following Rivero’s lead, CJ Cansino produced 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists against his former team in 17:56 minutes of play. Lucero finished the contest with 13 points and eight rebounds while Calimag chipped in a career-high 10 points.
Fighting Maroons court general JD Cagulangan had another great all-around game with nine points, seven assists, five steals, and three rebounds.
UP forced UST to commit 26 turnovers, which then led to 25 turnover points. The Fighting Maroons’ starters produced 46 points to the Growling Tigers’ 18. UP also had 40 inside points to UST’s 16.
“Every game, we really prepare for it,” added Monteverde. “We got to really play hard and play our best pa rin every game. Kahit Ateneo or whatever team, nandun pa rin kami to give our best.”
Miguel Pangilinan led UST with 21 points built on five treys. UPIS product Gomez de Liano followed suit with nine points at the back of three three-pointers.
UST’s usual leading scorers had an off-night altogether.
Captain Paul Manalang got five points on 1-of-6 shooting; one-and-done talent Joshua Fontanilla was held down to just four points on a 2-of-9 clip; while super rookie Nic Cabanero only had four points on 1-of-8 shooting.
Both schools shall end their elimination round campaigns on Sunday. UST (3-10) takes on Far Eastern University at 12:30 PM while UP (11-2) goes up against Ateneo de Manila University at 7:00 PM to close out the round.
The Scores:
UP 96 – Rivero 15, Cansino 14, Lucero 13, Calimag 10, Cagulangan 9, Tamayo 7, Alarcon 7, Fortea 6, Diouf 6, Spencer 3, Ramos 3, Webb 2, Catapusan 2, Lina 0, Abadiano 0.
UST 67 – Pangilinan 21, Gomez de Liano 9, Mantua 6, Ando 6, Manalang 5, Fontanilla 4, Cabanero 4, Manaytay 4, Concepcion 3, Herrera 3, Canoy 2, Sumudio 0, Yongco 0, Gesalem 0.
Quarterscores: 26-11, 53-33, 73-53, 96-67.
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