DLSU silences Ricci Rivero-led Fighting Maroons

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers took down the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 73-69, on Monday, June 25, at the Buddha Care Gym in Quezon City. 

Ricci Rivero waxed hot in his second game with the Maroons, as he dropped 27 points on his former team, but baskets from Taane Samuel and Jollo Go snatched the come-from-behind win for DLSU. 

Samuel led the Green Archers with a massive double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Go followed with 22 points on top of 6 assists and 5 rebounds. 

The Green Archers stand on a 6-3 record and advance to the semis to face top-seeded Letran (7-2). 

The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, drop out of the top 4 due to their back-to-back losses and end the tournament with a 4-5 record.

Rivero has played only two games with his new team, but has not been able to lead UP to a victory. The newest acquisition of the Fighting Maroons averages 30.5 points on a 50% shooting to go along with 4.5 steals, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.5 turnovers in two games. 

Meanwhile, Univerisity of the East missed out on a chance at the semifinals after getting frustrated by Arellano University, 53-62.

Kraniel Villoria topped the scoring column with 10 points, while Michael Canete and Levi Dela Cruz chipped in 9 and 8 markers, respectively, to help the Chiefs wind up their campaign at 5-4.

The Red Warriors also stand at 5-4, and are one win away from a shot at the Final 4. – Rappler.com