Zavier Lucero, Photo from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – Zavier Lucero received MVP plaudits from the University of the Philippines audience after he sank a key trio in the final two minutes of Saturday’s game against Far Eastern University at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Lucero had his best performance to date with a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds as UP edged past FEU, 83-76, to close the first round of the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament with six consecutive wins – matching the school’s longest winning streak since 2004.
The Filipino-American forward stopped Tamaraws’ late run with a three-clutch pointer at 1:50 to give the Fighting Maroons a 76-70 breath.
The UP crowd was ecstatic as MVP chants rained down on Lucero.
As for the 6-foot-6 striker, it was a pleasure to hear such praise from the school’s fans but he insists it was the team spirit of the Maroons that helped them succeed in the first round with a record of 6 -1 for the second seed.
“It’s flattering but like I said, we have a goal in this team. Everyone has the same goal, [and] that’s what’s special about us,” said Lucero, who shot three-quarters from the depth. “No personal compliment makes a difference if we can’t do what we set out to do. So as long as we stay focused on that goal, then I like where we are. “
Lucero said the FEU’s 32-31 lead at half-time was a wake-up call for their team as he opened fire in the third inning, scoring 16 of his 27 points to give UP the lead.
“We didn’t want to lose in the second half, so we went out and I think we played really well in the second half,” he said. “We had a strong start, and then our boys just made plays in the fourth quarter to keep them around.”
After scoring just 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in a loss to Ateneo on opening day, Lucero played well and became UP’s steady tree, averaging 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds , 2.0 steals and 0.8 blocks to win 6 games in a row.
He attributes his breakthrough to coach Goldwin Monteverde’s system and their teamwork.
“I look a bit more open than some of the other guys, which allows me to get on the transcript. But personally, I don’t do much on my own,” said Lucero. “I get set up a lot by my people, whether it’s the screen, like Carl (Tamayo) shoved my guy off that screen the last three times I hit. Maymay (Cagulangan) often finds me in many places. ”
“It’s just that our team is really growing, and our chemistry is evolving,” he added.
Lucero and the Maroons managed to maintain their winning streak against National University (4-3) on Good Tuesday to start the second round.
BUT RELATED STORY
Get the hottest sports news straight to your inbox
Continue reading
Registration INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share media articles society. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or enquiries, Contact us.
