Rivero, Cansino, and Tamayo Score Double Digits to Lift UP Past FEU

The UP Fighting Maroons eked out a win versus the FEU Tamaraws, 73-70, on Tuesday in the first game back from the one-week break of the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

With 1:26 left, UP and FEU were tied at 70-all before Zavier Lucero converted a jumper to give UP a 2-point lead, 72-70. 

The Maroons had multiple chances in the charity stripe to pull away from the Tamaraws during the crucial stretch. Carl Tamayo and Harold Alarcon went 0 of 4, while Malick Diouf split his free throws for the scoreline to read 73-70. 

At the final buzzer, RJ Abarrientos missed a triple to potentially send the game into overtime, sealing the win for UP. 

Ricci Rivero led all scorers with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, including 3 triples in the opening frame. CJ Cansino did not suit up in the previous game due to a minor injury but had a stellar outing, scoring all of his 12 points in the third quarter to keep UP on track. Carl Tamayo also chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. 

For FEU, Emman Ojuola had a double-double outing with 16 points and 14 rebounds along with 3 steals and 2 blocks. LJ Gonzales and Abarrientos contributed 13 points apiece. 

“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.

UP has not dropped a game since falling to Ateneo on opening day, stretching the win streak to 8 for an 8-1 slate. They will face Adamson (3-6) on Thursday at 4:30 PM, aiming for the 9th consecutive victory. FEU (3-6) is looking to get back to the win column against NU (3-6) at 12:30 PM. 

The Scores:

UP 73 — Rivero 14, Tamayo 14, Cansino 12, Alarcon 8, Lucero 7, Diouf 7, Cagulangan 3, Fortea 3, Webb 0, Abadiano 0, Spencer 0, Calimag 0, Catapusan 0.

FEU 70 — Ojuola 16, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 13, Torres 9, Sandagon 6, Tempra 5, Alforque 3, Bienes 3, Li 2, Coquia 0, Sajonia 0.

Quarter Scores: 16-17, 34-37, 57-54, 73-70.