RICCI Rivero got the better of his former teammate and good friend, Brent Paraiso, as University of the Philippines edged University of Santo Tomas, 73-69, in the 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball Presented by Got Skills Elite Showcase Saturday at the Philadelphia School Gym in Quezon City.
Side-by-side for two years at La Salle before going on their separate ways, the guards engaged in a fierce duel with the two leading the fight for their respective sides.
Rivero pumped 23 points on an 8-of-15 shooting from the field, to go with nine assists, five steals, and four rebounds to lead the Fighting Maroons to the win.
Paraiso, meanwhile, did his best to carry the Growling Tigers, unloading 26 points built on six treys, while also grabbing a pair of boards and a steal.
However, it was Rivero’s UP side which came out on top, using an 18-point fourth quarter flurry to secure the victory late.
The two will be allowed to play for their new squads come UAAP Season 82 as they will undergo a one-year residency after transferring from Taft.
The Fighting Maroons opened their campaign on a good note, while the Growling Tigers fell to their second defeat in the tourney, losing their opener to FEU, 68-62.
Letran remains on top of the standings at 3-0 with victories over the College of St. Benilde, ICC, and FEU, while the Tamaraws own a 1-1 slate.
The Scores:
UP 73 – Rivero 23, Battad 10, Madrigal 10, Ang 7, Gob 6, Ouattara 6, Kamga 4, Ollano 4, Gregorio 3.
UST 69 – Paraiso 26, Concepcion 17, Abando 11, Calaguio 8, Yongco 3, Batuzolele 2, Pangilinan 2, Asuncion 0, Evangelista 0.
Quarters: 22-21, 35-39, 55-59, 73-69.
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