Zavier Lucero led the UP Fighting Maroons in routing the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 81-68, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on April 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Lucero was back on track with his superb showing during the first round of the tournament, scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds, three, assists, and three blocks. Lucero’s breakout game earned him the best player of the game award.

UP controlled the game from the get-go. The Fighting Maroons cruised to a 44-26 advantage at the end of the first half, with 16 assists and 15 fastbreak points.

UE fought back and was able to cut UP’s lead to a single digit, 54-63, at the 6:56 mark of the payoff period. UP, on the other hand, mounted a 10-4 counter run, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk by Ricci Rivero off a JD Cagulangan assist to extend UP’s lead, 73-56, with four minutes and 18 seconds left to play. UP’s advantage ballooned to 20 points on a three-point shot by Lucero with 1:50 remaining, sealing the victory for the Fighting Maroons.

Rivero also played well for the Fighting Maroons, contributing 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, while CJ Cansino chipped in eight points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The Fighting Maroons outrebounded the Red Warriors, 57-47. UP also outscored UE in fastbreak points and bench points production, 19-9 and 47-32, respectively.

The win improved UP to a 10-2 win-loss record and clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the final four. The Fighting Maroons will take on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on April 28, 7 p.m.