UP's Zavier Lucero undergoes MRI test for injured knee

By NIKOLE JAVIER
Zavier Lucero has undergone an MRI test following a scary non-contact fall in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 85 finals between University of the Philippines and Ateneo.
The 6-foot-6 forward, who towed the Fighting Maroons closer to their second straight title with a 72-66 Game 1 win, had to be carried out of the court in the 8:31 mark of the fourth quarter in Game 2 last Dec. 14 where they lost 65-55 to the Blue Eagles.
Lucero was holding on to his left knee after the fall on his way to the basket.
UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde didn’t have the chance to speak with Lucero right after the game but was informed of his scheduled MRI supposedly on Thursday, Dec. 15.
“Right now kasi, schedule natin siya for MRI just to find out kung ano talaga ang nangyari. Hopefully, sana hindi naman gano’n kagrabe. Will know siguro by tomorrow or the next day,” said Monteverde.
“We’ll just have to have it checked. Hindi ko siya nakausap kung may narinig ba siyang pop or crack after nung fall niya.”
Now forced in a winner-takes-all Game 3, UP will have to hope for the best for Lucero’s return in the decider.
After 28 minutes on the floor, the 23-year-old Lucero put up a solid defensive scheme for the Fighting Maroons with 11 boards, a steal and block.
Lucero took it upon himself in Game 1 to show the way for UP with crucial defensive stops.
Meanwhile, Monteverde has to put the loss behind and brace as UP guns for its back-to-back championship title against the equally gritty Ateneo side seeking its own redemption.
“Ganoon naman, kahit sinong kalaban mo, iba iba naman ang pwedeng gawin sa iyo. Importante lang dito is kung anong ginagawa, anong response mo sa ginagawa sa iyo. I just felt siguro meron kami chance na to play better as a team. To overcome ‘yong dinadaanan. Kahit ano naman ‘yong sa amin, kahit ano man ang haharapin namin on Monday, haharapin namin,” he concluded.