UP holds off FEU for 8th straight win (Sabong News)

University of the Philippines pulled off key defensive stops down the stretch to hold off Far Eastern University, 73-70, and get its eighth straight win in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Ricci Rivero showed grit on both ends of the floor with the help of Joel Cagulangan to stop the Tamaraws’ backcourt duo of RJ Abarrientos and Ljay Gonzales in the final minute of the payoff period. Defense paved the way for offense as Zavier Lucero and Malick Diouf made sure to convert their go-ahead baskets as the Maroons improved to an 8-1 record — their best showing yet since the Final Four era. “On the first part ‘di namin masyado makuha ‘yong rhythm ng game namin but ‘yong defense namin especially nung third quarter medyo pumick-up,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. Rivero posted a game-high of 19 points built on four triples to go with five rebounds, Carl Tamayo chalked up 14 points and six rebounds, and CJ Cansino had 12 points and four rebounds. Harold Alarcon delivered off the bench with eight points, Lucero chipped in seven points and six rebounds, while Diouf also added seven points and eight rebounds. “At the same time, running the offense on the team, mas gumanda ‘yong takbo ng offense namin,” added Monteverde. Tied at 70-all, Lucero drained a go-ahead mid-range jumper to take momentum at 72-70 with 1:26 left in the fourth quarter. UP though almost fired blanks on the free throw line as Diouf, the lone Maroon to split a shot, Tamayo, and Alarcon combined for a 1-of-6 shooting in the crucial sequence. Trailing 73-70, the Tamaraws saw a glimmer of hope after Alarcon’s missed attempts on the free throw line with 5.9 ticks left. But Abarrientos, who earlier missed his three-point attempt with 15.4 seconds to go, just couldn’t find his shot with another effort from beyond the arc as the time expired. Emmanuel Ojuola paced the Tamaraws, who fell to a 3-6 record, with another double-double performance of 16 points and 14 rebounds while Abarrientos and Gonzales scored 13 points apiece. UP seeks for its ninth consecutive win on Thursday, April 21 against Adamson at 4:30 p.m. while FEU hopes to end its skid at 12:30 p.m. against National University. — Rivero 19, Tamayo 14, Cansino 12, Alarcon 8, Lucero 7, Diouf 7, Cagulangan 3, Fortea 3, Webb 0, Abadiano 0, Spencer 0, Calimag 0, Catapusan 0. — Ojuola 16, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 13, Torres 9, Sandagon 6, Tempra 5, Alforque 3, Bienes 3, Li 2, Coquia 0, Sajonia 0. 16-17, 34-37, 57-54, 73-70.