Payback time for Maroons, Tamaraws  

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion University of the Philippines exacted vengeance on National U, 75-63, to solidify hold of top spot at the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Cyril Gonzales poured 12 of his career-high 15 points in the payoff period while Zavier Lucero put in 16 as the Fighting Maroons avenged their 80-75 first-round loss to the Bulldogs and hiked their slate to 7-1.

“We adjusted well. We banked on our defense, especially in the second half. We finished strong,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde, playing down an effort to get payback against NU.

“Honestly, hindi naman. It’s not about that. We just talked about opening the second round (strong). We prepared hard against every team every game as we try to move closer to our goal.”

Michael Malonzo (12) and Steve Nash Enriquez (11) headlined the previously sizzling Bulldogs, who failed to regain a piece of the lead and fell to third spot at 5-3 with their second straight loss.

Earlier, Far Eastern U also got back at first-round tormentor University of the East, fashioning out a come-from-behind 75-68 triumph.

Former Batang Gilas Pilipinas standout Xyrus Torres came through with a season-high 22 points including six treys and got five steals while LJay Gonzales (14) and Patrick Tchuente (13) provided help as the red-hot FEU notched a third straight win after a 0-5 start.

“Of course, we’re trying to ride that momentum we got late in the first round. But UE had a great start and we got caught off guard. Good thing was we stuck to our game plan. It was defense again that gave us the win,” said coach Olsen Racela.

FEU, which owns the longest active Final Four streak in eight straight seasons, got off to a slow 8-23 start before slowly but surely closing the gap until a game-changing rally in the second half.

Still down 34-42 at the break, Torres and Gonzales connived in leading FEU’s searing 31-9 avalanche for a 65-51 upperhand heading home.

Nikko Paranada uncorked 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals but UE still stumbled to its third consecutive defeat after an impressive start at 3-2.