INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines--Far Eastern University kept its own semifinal bid on track by stunning University of Santo Tomas with a 74-69 overtime victory after trailing by as many as 16 points in the 71st UAAP men's basketball competition Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Reil Cervantes took charge by nailing six of his 20 points in the extra period after Benedict Fernandez, who added 14 markers, presided in the Tamaraws' comeback from a 35-51 hole.

"This team has a big heart," said coach Glenn Capacio of the Tamaraws, who kept third place with a 7-3 slate.

Even with Jervy Cruz scoring a career-high 30 points, the Tigers made only two of 18 attempts from the field in the fourth and the extra quarters.

An Aldrech Ramos layup with 47.1 seconds left in the fourth period tied the game at 60.

Dylan Ababou could have given the Tigers the win, but missed two free throws with 10.2 ticks left in regulation.

The loss pushed the Tigers down to 4-6, two games behind the fourth-running University of the East.

The scores:
FEU 74--Cervantes 20, Fernandez 14, Cawaling 12, Sanga 9, Ramos 8, Barroca 6, Knuttel 2, Adolfo 2, Tanuan 1, Alisbo 0, Cabagnot 0.

UST 69--Cruz 30, Ababou 14, Allera 10, Mirza 8, Canlas 3, Fortuna 2, Fenequito 1, Gile 1, Bautista 0, Taylor 0, Cuan 0.

Quarters: 21-21, 31-39, 41-54, 60-60 (reg), 74-69 (OT)