Zavier Lucero scored 27 points to lift University of the Philippines past Far Eastern University, 83-76, and solidify its second spot at the end of the first round in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday night, April 9.

Lucero, who had an efficient 11-of-16 shooting, took charge in the third period with 16 points including two triples before the Tamaraws retaliated midway through the fourth quarter courtesy of Ljay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, and Emmanuel Ojoula.
Carl Tamayo added 12 points and four rebounds while Ricci Rivero, who also put the finishing touches, chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists for UP en route to a 6-1 record.
"I guess 'yong tempo nung first half hindi favorable sa amin so we tried to force them to play an up-tempo game, which opened up things for us in transition," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. "'Yong defense, kahit papano, nung second half mas maganda naman."
Lucero, a former Cal State Maritime Academy standout, hit what was supposed to be a dagger three for UP off a Rivero inbound pass at the 1:50 mark but Torres easily responded with a triple of his own and Gonzales split his free throw to put the game within striking distance, 76-74.
Tamayo and Joel Cagulangan connive for back-to-back crucial baskets to build another four-point UP lead with 45.1 seconds to go, 80-74, before Gonzales, without hesitation, zoomed straight to the paint to trail by four points again.
Rivero, who struggled on a 4-of-12 shooting from the field, came alive and delivered at the endgame after completing an and-one play to ice the game.
Gonzales spearheaded FEU with 20 points and eight rebounds, Ojoula posted 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Torres fired 17 points built on his five three-pointers.
The Scores:
UP 83 -- Lucero 27, Tamayo 12, Rivero 10, Cansino 7, Diouf 7, Fortea 6, Alarcon 5, Cagulangan 4, Abadiano 3, Spencer 2, Lina 0, Catapusan 0.
FEU 76 -- Gonzales 20, Ojuola 17, Torres 17, Alforque 9, Abarrientos 8, Sandagon 3, Tempra 2, Sleat 0, Sajonia 0, Bienes 0, Celzo 0.
Quarterscores: 14-18, 31-32, 58-50, 83-76.