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Lucero, Diouf Carry UP to Fourth Win in a Row, Escaping Adamson in a Nail-Biter

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The UP Fighting Maroons escape the Adamson Soaring Falcons in a cardiac 73-71 win versus Adamson Soaring Falcons on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

 

In the last 2 minutes, Ricci Rivero sank a crucial three-pointer, giving UP their highest cushion at 7, 73-66. Joshua Yerro and Didat Hanapi answered with 5 quick points for the Falcons. With 2 seconds left in the game, the scoreline reads 73-71 in favor of UP, and Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa tries for a three but misses the game-winner. 

 

The Falcons led by as much as 11, 13-24, at the start of the 2nd quarter from a Lenda Douanga basket. UP then launched a 26-15 run that was spearheaded by Malick Diouf, while Joel Cagulangan’s free throw tied the game at the half, 39-all. Zavier Lucero took charge in the second half, converting a jumper that flipped the switch in the third, 43-41. A slugfest ensued until the final buzzer.

 

“A win is a win but after this game, we really need to work on our defense na maraming lapses a while ago,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Going forward sa next game namin, we need to really look and improve our defense for our next game,” he added. 

 

Four in the maroon-and-white side scored double digits, anchored by Lucero’s 20 markers, 5 boards, 4 dimes, and 3 steals along with Diouf’s double-double performance, totaling 16 points and 15 rebounds. Carl Tamayo was a steady presence in the paint and even outside, contributing 11points. Rivero scored 10 points including the crucial trey down the stretch. 

 

For the Falcons, Lastimosa was relentless, tallying 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Lenda Douanga also had a double-double outing with 16 points and 14 rebounds. 

 

“Like coach said, you know it wasn’t our best performance, it’s kind of ugly win for us. But you know we’re not gonna give it back, everyone counts and you know coach always says it only takes one point to win a game so we got big ones coming up so it’s time to move on to the next one and try to get another win on Thursday,” Lucero said.

 

The UP Fighting Maroons (4-1) secured their fourth win in a row and will be gunning for the fifth straight victory in Thursday’s opener against the DLSU Green Archers (4-1). The Adamson Soaring Falcons (1-4) will square off with the FEU Tamaraws (2-3) for Thursday’s nightcap. 

 

The Scores:

 

UP 73 – Lucero 20, Diouf 16, Tamayo 11, Rivero 10, Cansino 9, Cagulangan 3, Spencer 2, Abadiano 2, Fortea 0, Alarcon 0, Catapusan 0.

 

Adamson 71 – Lastimosa 18, Douanga 16, Zaldivar 14, Colonia 4, Magbuhos 4, Manzano 4, Hanapi 3, Sabandal 3, Jaymalin 3, Yerro 2, Barasi 0, Erolon 0.

 

Quarter Scores: 13-22, 39-39, 55-53, 73-71.

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