The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons extended its winning streak to three by demolishing the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 96-67 in the University Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on April 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Behind UP’s good defense, the aggressive start led by Zavier Lucero, and the sniping from the three-point area by CJ Cansino, Ricci Rivero, and Terrence Fortea, the Fighting Maroons controlled the early goings of the game and cruised to a commanding 20-point lead, 53-33, at the end of the first half.

The Fighting Maroons continued their dominance in the second half and established their biggest lead, 92-59, courtesy of Recaredo Calimag’s mid-range jump shot at the 2:47 mark of the final quarter.

Four Fighting Maroons scored in double figures: Rivero had 15 points, Cansino had 14 points, Lucero contributed 13 markers, and Calimag produced 10 points. Cansino, who also had five rebounds and two assists, was chosen as the best player of the game.

JD Cagulangan, UP’s court general, had another all-around performance scoring nine points and had seven assists, five steals, and three rebounds.

The Fighting Maroons capitalized on the errors committed by UST by producing 25 points off turnovers. UP also outdid UST in starter points production (46-18), bench points scoring (50-49), assists (28-17), and rebounds (56-47).

The Fighting Maroons, with its 11-2 win-loss record, will play their final game of the elimination round against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on May 1, 7:00 p.m.