By NIKOLE JAVIER
Defending champion University of the Philippines redeemed itself with a huge win over National University, 75-63, to keep a solid grip on the solo lead in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Zavier Lucero posted 16 points from a decent 5-of-8 shooting from the three-point line while Cyril Gonzales proved to be a revelation as he finished with 15 points highlighted by three timely triples for the Fighting Maroons.
UP used a 13-0 run in the final quarter to turn back NU which handed them their lone defeat in the first round last Oct. 12.
Henry Galinato unwrapped the third quarter with two consecutive layups before James Spencer and Lucero fired back-to-back three-pointers for the Fighting Maroons.
Refusing to go down without a fight, the Bulldog uncorked an 8-0 run capped by Justin Palacielo’s huge and-1 play to retake the lead for NU, 63-62.
Fortunately, the Fighting Maroons quickly got back on their feet to keep the Bulldogs blank in the last two minutes of play to deal them their second straight loss.
“We tightened up on defense,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Nung first half, ang daming dribble penetrations ng NU. The guys adjusted well and na-prevent namin yung mga madaming penetrations parehas sa first half.
“Maganda yung pagharap ng team namin sa fourth quarter, how we finished the game, so nanalo kami kanina," the second-year Fighting Maroons coach added.
For NU’s part, Mike Malonzo finished 12 points while Steven Nash Enriquez tallied 12 markers as they fell absorbed a 5-3 record.