FEU Tamaraws squeak past NU Bulldogs in two OTs

MANILA—Adamson coasted to its eighth victory while Far Eastern University had to go through the wringer to stay on track in their UAAP Final Four drive Saturday.

Banking on a third-quarter outburst, the Falcons drubbed the University of the Philippines Maroons, 64-51, to keep solo second and secure at least a semifinal playoff in the men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

FEU had to rely on the clutch plays of Aldrech Ramos, Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia as the Tamaraws downed the National University Bulldogs in double overtime, 84-82, to strengthen their hold of the third spot.

Adamson recovered from an error-prone first half with Janus Lozada and Austin Manyara combining to push the Falcons ahead, 45-35, at the end of the third quarter.

“This game was important to us because we want to avoid any complications with FEU,” Adamson coach Leo Austria said after his Falcons improved to 8-3.

Lozada had 16 points to go with nine boards, while Manyara posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Falcons.

Garcia fired half five points in the second extra period to push the Tamaraws ahead, 81-79. The 5-foot-10 guard, last season’s MVP, earlier forged the first overtime with a layup off a steal, 70-70, with just 28.2 seconds left.

Ramos came through with 19 points, the last on a free throw with 13.8 ticks remaining for the final tally.

Romeo, last season’s top rookie, also delivered 16 points on top of seven rebounds and seven assists to help the Tamaraws rally from 18 points down, 33-51, in the third quarter.

“We were down by 18, but our players didn’t give up,” said coach Bert Flores after the Tamaraws climbed to 7-4.

“We had a hard time with their man-to-man (defense), we also had a hard time with (Ray) Parks. But the boys just kept working hard.”

Parks unloaded a season-high 32 points, including a pair of free throws with 9.7 seconds left that extended the game to a second overtime.

Joseph Terso had a chance to win the game for the Bulldogs, but missed on his three-point attempt at the buzzer.

The Bulldogs dropped to sixth at 4-7, while the Maroons fell to 2-9.

“The game is very important for us because we still have a chance to get the No. 2 spot,” said Ramos, the former Smart Gilas national team mainstay who also grabbed seven rebounds.

Chris Exciminiano added 14 points before fouling out in the third quarter, while big man Russel Escoto also stepped up with 10 markers, two steals and three blocks for the Tamaraws.

The scores:
First Game
ADAMSON 64—Lozada 16, Manyara 13, Nuyles 9, Alvarez 9, Colina 4, Camson 4, Cabrera 4, Brondial 3, Cañada 2, Agustin 0, Rios 0, Olalia 0, Monteclaro 0, Etrone 0.
UP 51—Manuel 11, Romero 10, Silungan 8, Maniego 7, Montecastro 5, Gomez 4, Mbah 2, Juruena 2, Gingerich 2, Gamboa 0.
Quarters: 13-9, 29-24, 45-35, 64-51
Second Game
FEU 84—Ramos 19, Romeo 16, Exciminiano 14, Escoto 10, Garcia 10, Tolomia 9, Pogoy 2, Cruz 2, Bringas 2, Mendoza 0.
NATIONAL U 82—Parks 32, Mbe 11, Villamor 10, Alolino 8, Ignacio 7, Javillonar 6, Neypes 4, Celiz 4, Rono 0, Khobuntin 0, Terso 0, Singh 0.
Quarters: 16-15, 31-35, 49-57, 70-70 (reg.) 76-76 (1OT), 84-82 (2OT)