University of the Philippines extends its winning streak to eight after gutting out a 73-70 victory over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Tuesday, at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Both teams engaged in a seesaw battle right from the get-go; still, neither side could build a significant margin over the other. The tightly-contested game went on as UP and FEU figured in a 70-all deadlock in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
Zavier Lucero eventually gave his team a lift after making a baseline jumper to gain a 72-70 advantage with 1:27 seconds left in the game. Malick Diouf was then fouled with 29.4 seconds on the clock.
Diouf split his free throws to increase the lead of UP to three points.
Another Fighting Maroon in Harold Alarcon was also sent to the free-throw line, but missed both his shots.
The Tamaraws still had a chance in the ensuing possession. The desperation heave of RJ Abarrientos, though, only hit the side of the board as time expired.
“On the first part, hindi namin masyado magawa ‘yung rhythm ng game namin,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde claimed. “But ‘yung defense namin, especially nung third quarter, medyo pumick-up. So doon na agad nakuha ‘yung confidence. At the same time, running the system as a team – mas gumanda ‘yung offense namin.”
Ricci Rivero led UP with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Carl Tamayo followed with 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks of his own. CJ Cansino, who missed their previous game due to a hand injury, returned to contribute 12 points and four rebounds in close to 16:30 minutes of action.
Alarcon also made a good account of himself. He provided the spark for UP with eight points on a perfect 3-of-3 clip in just 16 minutes of action.
The Fighting Maroons capitalized on their 30 bench points and 30.8 percent shooting from the three-point line. This, compared to the Tamaraws’ 24 and 27.3 percent, respectively.
Emman Ojuola bannered FEU with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Both RJ Abarrientos and L-Jay Gonzales notched 13 points apiece.
Both schools shall resume their respective campaigns on Thursday at the SM MOA Arena. Far Eastern University Philippines (3-6) takes on National University (4-4) at 12:30 PM; meanwhile, University of the Philippines (8-1) faces off against Adamson University (2-6) afterwards at 4:00 PM.
The Scores:
UP 73 – Rivero 19, Tamayo 17, Cansino 12, Alarcon 8, Lucero 7, Diouf 7, Cagulangan 3, Fortea 3, Webb 0, Abadiano 0, Spencer 0, Calimag 0, Catapusan 0.
FEU 70 – Ojoula 16, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 13, Torres 9, Sandagon 6, Tempra 5, Alforque 3, Bienes 3, Li 2, Coquia 0, Sajonia 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 34-37, 57-54, 73-70.
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