STANDINGS (Under-25)

Letran 7-2
FEU 6-3
LPU 6-3
La Salle 5-3
UE 5-3
NU 5-4
Arellano 4-4
UP 4-4
MLQU 1-8
UA&P 0-9

UP's Ricci Rivero attacks the basket against UE. Handout photo.

MANILA, Philippines – Ricci Rivero made an explosive debut for University of the Philippines in the 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball presented by Got Skills Adidas Summer Showcase last Friday at the Buddha Care Gym in Quezon City.

The former De La Salle University star fired 34 points, but his scoring spree was not enough as the University of the East Red Warriors downed the Fighting Maroons, 69-68.

Rivero, a member of the Mythical Team in UAAP Season 80, was determined to make a good first impression with his new team, and was on the mark from start to finish. He wound up making nearly 64% of his field goals.

UP would get off to a strong start, but the Red Warriors kept coming back thanks to swingman Chris Conner and Wilson Bartolome, who finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

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Forward Rey Acuno added 10 points, while rookie guard Jojo Antiporda contributed nine markers.

Behind their balanced attack, the Red Warriors overcame the Fighting Maroons and their prized recruit to improve to 5-3 in the preseason tournament.

Rivero, who transferred from La Salle to UP last month, did not get help much help as none of his new teammates reached double-digits.

This was UP's second straight loss and fourth overall in eight games for UP. They also lost to National University, 64-59, last Tuesday at the Trinity University Gym in Quezon City.

In that game, the Bulldogs were led by JP Cauilan, who had 14 points and seven boards. UP was led by Fil-Am forward David Murrell, who had 14 points and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, Letran powered its way onto the top spot after outmuscling La Salle, 72-67.

Wing player Allen Mina showed the way for the now 7-2 Knights with 17 points while bigs Gerwin Sangalang and Daryl Pascual merged for 22 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.

Transferee guard Jordan Bartlett was the lone bright spot for the Green Archers with 24 points.

La Salle was coming off a 71-56 domination of Manuel L. Quezon University three days ago. They now stand at 5-3.

BOX SCORES

TUESDAY GAMES

FIRST GAME
LA SALLE 71 – Bartlett 20, Bongay 14, Manuel 10, Alcala 13, Alcoriza 6, Cu 4, Santillan 2, Manaytay 2, Javelosa 0, Bates 0

MLQU 56 – Peralta 13, Sual 10, Gula 7, Alimasa 6, Jamila 6, Pastor 5, Verzosa 5, Fabila 2, Zulueta 1, Hermosa 1, Teobengco 0

QUARTER SCORES: 16-21, 31-32, 45-48, 71-56

SECOND GAME
NU 64 – Cauilan 14, Oczon 8, Sistoza 7, Rangel 6, Yu 6, Diputado 5, Flores 5, Minerva 4, Morido 3, Salim 2, Chatman 2, Penano 2, Malonzo 0, Atienza 0, Puray 0

UP 59 – Murrell 14, Kangga 12, Santiago 9, Gomez de Liano Ja 6, Gomez de Liano Ju 5, Espanola 4, Battad 3, Ong 2, Malingin 2, Madrigal 2

QUARTER SCORES: 10-7, 27-20, 42-44, 64-59

FRIDAY GAMES

FIRST GAME
LETRAN 72 – Mina 17, Sangalang 12, Pascual 10, Gonzales 10, Reyson 8, Favila 6, Pamulaklakin 5, Pambid 4

LA SALLE 67 – Bartlett 24, Manuel 13, Bongay 10, Cu 8, Abadeza 6, Alcala 5, Escandor 1, Alcoriza 0, Javelosa 0

QUARTER SCORES: 12-12, 31-28, 55-42, 72-67

SECOND GAME
UE 69 – Conner 14, Bartolome 11, Acuno 10, Antiporda 9, Varilla 6, Lacap 6, Maloles 4, Dimayuga 3, Gagate 2, Manalang 2, Beltran 2, Gallardo 0, Strait 0, Sobrevega 0, Cullar 0, Guion 0,

UP 68 – Rivero 34, Madrigal 9, Battad 7, Gomez de Liano 5, Gregorio 5, Onai visiong 4, Malik 2, Ollano 2, Malingin 0

QUARTER SCORES: 16-27, 33-34, 56-52, 69-68

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