INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University lived up to its pre-season billing as sophomore Jens Knuttel buried a triple with 16.1 seconds left to lift the Tamaraws past the Adamson Falcons, 74-71, at the start of the 71st UAAP men's basketball season at the Araneta Coliseum.

Knuttel, found open by Mark Barroca at the right elbow, highlighted the Tamaraws' late rally to turn a 60-65 deficit to a 73-71 advantage.

"We're lucky that we were able to execute in the last minute," said FEU coach Glenn Capacio.

Reil Cervantes topscored with 15 points and six rebounds, while Barroca added 12 for the Tamaraws.

Knuttel, who scored all of his five points in the last 38 seconds, also nailed two free throws that pushed the Tamaraws within a point, 70-71.

"He's really quarterbacking for us, his offense is secondary," said Capacio of the 18-year-old half-German guard. "What's impressive is at a young age, he's already showing leadership."

Benedict Fernandez sank the second of his two free throws off a Jerick Cañada foul to give the Tamaraws a four-point buffer, 74-71, in the last 6.2 seconds.

Under returning mentor Leo Austria, the much-improved Falcons pulled away from a 55-55 standoff to a 65-60 lead behind Michael Galinato and Jan Colina.

The Falcons had a chance to cushion a 71-70 edge, but Colina bungled two free throws with only 20.5 seconds remaining.

Earlier, host University of the Philippines staged a grand opening ceremony that centered on nationalism. The league, with the theme "Filipino Leadership through Sports Excellence," was declared officially open by UP president Emerlinda Roman and league president Sergio Cao.

The scores:

FEU 74 -- Cervantes 15, Barroca 12, Cawaling 11, Alisbo 10, Fernandez 9, Ramos 6, Knuttel 5, Baracael 4, Sanga 2, Kave 0, Adolfo 0.

ADAMSON 71 -- Galinato 22, Colina 11, Gonzalgo 11, Nuyles 5, Agustin 5, Cañada 4, Santos 4, Olalia 3, Lozada 2, Margallo 2, Alvarez 2, Yambot 0, Gorospe 0.
Quarters: 25-18, 47-41, 55-55, 74-71