THE battle cry for UP is to win for Zavier Lucero. Lucero has been instrumental for the Fighting Maroons two title runs this year, and it is really heartbreaking for him to sustain an injury right before the winner-take-all match.

There is also the implication of the injury with regards to Lucero’s future since he is in his last playing year. The versatile forward of the Maroons always set his goal for international play, and his injury could affect his chances. He has to rest a year, since it’s an ACL injury — the three dreaded letters for basketball players.

“The Zavior” is known for his grit and fearlessness, and this is the fuel for the Fighting Maroons as they are now the underdogs going into Game 3, against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Rivalry for the ages?: This the third meeting between the Maroons and the Eagles in the last four UAAP finals. No matter the outcome of the game today, the two-season series between the Katipunan schools is one for the ages.

It could rival the two-season revenge series between Ateneo and La Salle in 2002-2003 (Season 64 and 65) when Enrico Villanueva and LA Tenorio led the Blue Eagles to avenge their loss, and also end the dynasty, of the Mac Cardona, Renren Ritualo and Mike Cortez-led Green Archers.

Another two-game series between the two archrivals happened in 2017-2018 when the Ben Mbala led Archers dominated the league, but coach Tab Baldwin figured out their puzzle the next year.

The same elements are present — a new upstart team ending the dominance of another, and eventually establishing their own. Will that be the path for the Maroons?

Breakthrough game: Winning the MVP award even in a short international tournament will exponentially raise people’s expectations. Kai Ballungay was one of the most anticipated first-year players in the league after pocketing an MVP plum in Japan. However, he had a shaky, inconsistent start.

Finally making a breakthrough, Ballungay and Geo Chiu are set to take the reins of the Blue Eagles when Ange Kouame moves on. It bodes well for the Blue Eagles that he finally got the confidence boost of a breakout game.

Speaking of high expectations, Dave Ildefonso was projected to take the leap this year, but instead, he seemingly regressed. Just like Ballungay, he had flashes of utter brilliance, but was not able to sustain it throughout the tournament.

System vs stars: Ateneo clearly did not have the same firepower from last season, as many of their stalwarts turned pro. However, Ildefonso, Ballungay and Kouame should have kept the team dominant.

They did, later in the season. But somehow, despite the inconsistency, Ateneo managed to top the elimination round and are one game away from another title.

The key was coach Tab Baldwin’s airtight system. The Ateneans were sharp and edgy, which helped them buck the topsyturvy slide of their two stars. That’s why it’s always important to establish a system. The stars will come sooner or later.

While true superstars perform in the tightest situations, they will always have off-games. These players are still in college, and they will commit mistakes or run out of luck. It’s the system that will bail them out.

The next director?: Not exactly a big fan of Forthsky Padrigao when he was with the Batang Gilas, but I see how much his presence, or lack thereof, dictates Ateneo. The only true natural point guard in the Eagles rotation has shown signs of adept leadership and precision.

If only he would be more consistent and less trigger-happy, there are clear signs of future greatness. He reminds me of a young Hector Calma. Sure, there is a world of difference between The Director and the Eagles’ skipper, but they are both unafraid to take their team on their backs with adept precision.

Memorable tandem: Lucero’s injury robbed us of what could possibly be the last look at the tandem of him and Henry Galinato. The unintentional hard chest bump was a hit, and hopefully, these two players would become teammates again.