The University of Philippines Fighting Maroons survived a close call with the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 73-71, on Tuesday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippine Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With fans finally watching from a distance, the Fighting Maroons lost control of the ball in the last 10.1 seconds after Ricci Rivero bungled a three-point attempt.
But Jeron Lastimosa missed an outside shot for the Falcons in the return play, as time expired, allowing the Fighting Maroons escape with their fourth win in five outings and keep up with the La Salle Green Archers in second place.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde said defensive lapses almost led to UP’s loss, an area where the team needs to work on.
“After this win, we need to work on our defense and on our rotation,” said Monteverde, with a game with the Green Archers on Thursday in their line of sight.
Zavier Lucero banged in a game-high 20 points for the Fighting Maroons, Maodo Diouf added 16 points and 15 rebounds, Carl Tamayo sank 11 and Rivero made 10.
Lastimosa top-scored with 18 points for the Falcons, while Lenda Douanga and Keith Zaldivar chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Green Archers bounced back from their 57-74 loss to the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles with 75-66 triumph over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
Justine Baltazar showed the way for the Archers with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
“I think it’s very important for us, this win. It’s because after coming up with a loss against Ateneo, I told the boys (is) the important thing is how we bounce back. We got to bounce back hard. We got to take care of business today,” said Green Archers’ coach Derrick Pumaren.