Tamaraws ambush Knights for 3rd Filoil triumph

MANILA, Philippines—Mike Tolomia and Bryan Cruz came up with the big plays as Far Eastern University rallied past Letran, 85-75, Saturday to stay unbeaten in three games in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Tolomia delivered 17 points and nine assists while Cruz starred in the final stretch with 16 points, including two three-pointers in a 10-2 run that gave the Tamaraws a 77-70 lead.

“The ball movement is getting better,” said coach Nash Racela after his Tamaraws pinned a second straight loss on the Knights

Jose Rizal University, University of Perpetual Help and Lyceum also picked up back-to-back victories after downing separate opponents.

Jordan dela Paz pumped in a game-high 22 points to power the Bombers to a 73-63 drubbing of Cebu champion University of Visayas.

JRU coach Vergel Meneses said the Bombers also focused on John Abad, the UV guard who shot a tournament-high 38 points in the Green Lancers’ loss to University of San Carlos Friday.

“We knew we needed to contain him,” Meneses said of Abad, who was held to 10 points. “He will eventually score but our guards did a good job in defending him.”

The Altas similarly cruised past another Cebu-based squad in the USC Warriors, 71-61.

Boosted by Juneric Baloria’s 22-point performance, the Altas surged ahead by 21 points, 53-32, in the third quarter.

The Pirates, meanwhile, survived a hard-fighting St. Clare for an 85-82 decision.

Wilson Baltazar fired a team-high 17 points while Rhoele Maconocido chipped in 15 and four assists for the Pirates.

Dexter Zamora also scored 14, including a clutch triple that shattered a 79-79 deadlock.

The scores:

Third Game

JRU 73—Dela Paz 22, Asuncion 12, Mabulac 12, Paniamogan 19, Teodoro 8, Abdulwahab 5, Lasquety 2, Benemerito 2, Salaveria 0, Balagtas 0, Marticio 0.

UNIV. OF VISAYAS 63—Perolino 12, Abad 10, Octobre 10, Mpouma 6, Akomo 5, Aguirre 5, Arong 4, Segumpan 3, Codilla 3, Cabanero 2, Suerte 0, Velasco 0, Marquez 0.

Quarters: 20-12, 39-26, 54-40, 73-63.

Fourth Game

FEU 85—Tolomia 17, Cruz 16, Jose 12, Escoto 10, Belo 8, Iñigo 6, Pogoy 6, Hardgrove 3, Tamsi 3 Ugsang 2, Delfinado 2, David 0, Lee Yu 0, Padilla 0, Dennison 0, Belga 0.

LETRAN 75—Cruz 20, Racal 10, Nambatac 10, Ruaya 9, Singotiko 7, Publico 6, Saldua 6, Gabawan 5, Apreku 2, Quinto 0, Luib 0, Castro 0, Auino 0, Dela Peña 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 35-31, 57-57, 85-75

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