Terrence Romeo. Photo by Junnel Maranan/ICM
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University moved to within a victory of a first round sweep, disposing of University of Santo Tomas, 77-67, Sunday in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
But the Tamaraws’ head coach Nash Racela is downplaying the impact of a spotless slate midway into the competition.
“Something that I’ve learned as a coach, 6-0 doesn’t guarantee you anything. It’s just a number,” said Racela, whose squad’s only assignment in the first round is Adamson.
But FEU looked inarguably dominant, flaunting its lethal three-point shooting with its three dynamic guards, Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia and Mike Tolomia, running the show.
The Tamaraws unleashed 11 triples, while the Tigers paled in comparison with just two. But it was the extra passes leading to those attempts that impressed Racela the most.
Mark Belo found a wide open RR Garcia for a timely triple, giving FEU its first double-digit lead of the game, 68-58, with 6:54 to play. UST never got nearer than nine after that.
“That’s something we really appreciate, when they make the extra pass. They have a better understanding now,” said Racela.
Romeo ended his streak of scoring 20 at five games, but just by a hairline as he led the Tamaraws with 19 points including three triples.
Garcia added 17 points, four rebounds and six assists, Belo 14 points, and Tolomia 12 points, seven rebounds and seven dimes — all of them while scoring at least a triple.
The Tigers, meanwhile, drew strength from inside the paint with Karim Abdul pouring 21 markers and 11 boards, also giving them their last lead at 35-32, 1:32 in the second.
Kevin Ferrer, who was wearing a face mask for his swollen cheek bone, added 18 but missed all of his four attempts from downtown.
UST pulled even at 46 midway in the third quarter but played catch up from then on.