UP's Lucero ruled out of Game 3 of UAAP Finals with ACL tear
MANILA, Philippines — UP's bid for back-to-back UAAP titles took a big blow as Zavier Lucero was ruled out of the winner-take-all Game Three of the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball finals after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
UP student publication Tinig ng Plaridel reported that Lucero made the announcement to the team during their viewing session while Director for Basketball Operations Bo Perasol also confirmed the diagnosis.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer was the first to report on Lucero's fate.
The two-and-through forward suffered the ACL injury early in the fourth quarter of Game Two last Wednesday when he buckled his left knee on the way to the basket.
He exited the game with 8:31 left as UP trailed Ateneo, 59-46. The Fighting Maroons ended up losing the game, 65-55.
A former Mythical Team member, Lucero was big for the defending champions in their Game One victory where he finished with 14 points, 11 boards, two assists, and two blocks.
Lucero's absence will be felt by the Maroons as they go up against the Blue Eagles in the rubber match for the title on Monday, December 19.
His unavailability for UP in Game Three also means that Lucero has played his final game for the Maroons in the UAAP as he has already exhausted his two years of eligibility.
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