INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines--Far Eastern University held off the University of Santo Tomas' late rally for a 70-65 triumph that gave the Tamaraws a share of second place in the 71st UAAP men's basketball competition Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Benedict Fernandez--who presided over a key run that put the Tamaraws up at 60-53--posted a career-high 24 points by nailing five of six attempts from beyond the arc.

Mac Baracael also added 16 markers, including three free throws in the last 26 seconds after rookies Clark Bautista and Jeric Fortuna towed the Tigers within a basket, 67-65.

The Tamaraws joined defending champion La Salle at 3-1, behind Ateneo's perfect 4-0 slate.

"We won that game because of our defense," said FEU mentor Glenn Capacio.

"We shot 33 percent from the field but we still won. We also controlled Jervy (Cruz) at the boards, so credit goes to our big men."

Francis Allera led with 20 points, but Cruz finished with only 11 markers and a career-low three rebounds for the Tigers, who fell to 1-3 along with idle University of the Philippines.

The Tigers also played without starting point guard Japs Cuan, who suffered a meniscus tear on his left knee.

Cuan will be out for several weeks after sustaining the injury during the Tigers' recent loss to the Green Archers.

The scores:
FEU 70--Fernandez 24, Baracael 16, Barroca 8, Knuttel 6, Cervantes 5, Ramos 5, Adolfo 4, Cawaling 2, Kave 0, Alisbo 0, Sanga 0, Cabagnot 0.

UST 65--Allera 20, Cruz 11, Ababou 9, Fortuna 8, Canas 6, Camus 5, Bautista 5, Mirza 1, Fenequito 0, Gile 0, Taylor 0.

Quarters: 10-16, 31-30, 47-49, 70-65