Ricci Rivero played one of his best games this season.
The 6’1 Rivero scored 20 points and nearly matched his season-high 21 points in leading the defending champion La Salle Green Archers to a 75-73 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Wednesday night the Big Dome.
Known for his run-and-gun game back in high school, Ricci said his usual style of play since his high school days has never left him.
“Hindi pa siya nawawala. Sabi ni coach, kailangan lang i-apply sa system ang game ko,” said Ricci, moments after he sank one of three charity attempts at endgame.
His charity shot keyed La Salle’s sixth win in eight matches in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
Rivero, who averages 10.7 points, scored his lone basket off Ken Tuffin’s foul in the last 2.2 seconds, moments after the Tams came dangerously within range off Prince Orizu layup.
Ben Mbala shot 18 points for the Green Archers as they posted their sixth triumph in outings to move up to second place.
FEU shares the same 4-4 slate with the Fighting Maroons.
Tuffin made a game-high 14 points for FEU, with his trey in the last 2:56 bringing FEU close, 68-72.
Hubert Cani delivered 13 points, and he scored the second trey with 1:20 remaining, and this put FEU within range, 71-74.
Prince Orizu shot seven points for FEU, and put the Tams within a point with his dunk in the last 3.3 seconds.