Tams, Eagles boost Final Four bids with tight wins

ATENEO’S Kiefer Ravena swipes the ball from UST’s Karim Abdul in their game yesterday. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

FAR EASTERN University played far from its sharp form, but still got away with a 75-69 triumph over University of the Philippines to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Achie Iñigo bailed out the Tamaraws by drilling five of the team’s last seven points, including the go-ahead triple, 71-69, with 1:41 minutes left.

Mike Tolomia topscored with 19 before fouling out with three minutes left and Mac Belo added 14 points for the Tamaraws, who kept the No. 1 spot with a 9-2 record.

Ateneo also banked on a strong windup to down University of Santo Tomas, 69-58, to boost its own Final Four bid with an 8-3 record.

Kiefer Ravena pumped in a game-high 23 points, including 10 in the last seven minutes where the Blue Eagles surged ahead, 64-53, after a slim 51-49 edge. The leading MVP candidate also collected 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals.

“We already talked about how it’s going to be difficult from here on,” said coach Bo Perasol after his Eagles pushed the Tigers on the brink of elimination at 5-6.

The Scores:
First Game
FEU 75–Tolomia 19, Belo 14, Hargrove 11, Iñigo 8, Cruz 7, Pogoy 7, Yu 5, Jose 4, Tamsi 0, Denila 0, Ugsang 0.
UP 69–Gallarza 18, Reyes 14, Dario 10, Moralde 9, Juruena 8, Lao 4, Gingerich 3, Vito 3, Harris 0.
Quarters:19-18, 35-35, 53-52, 75-69
Second Game
ATENEO 69–Ravena 23, Newsome 14, Apacible 7, Elorde 7, Pessumal 6, Tolentino 6, Babilonia 3, Capacio 2, Lim 1, Gotladera 0.
UST 58–Abdul 17, Vigil 14, Mariano 12, Basibas 5, Gayosa 4, Subido 4, Daquioag 2, Lao 0, Lo 0, Pe 0, Sheriff 0.
Quarters: 19-13, 38-30, 50-46, 69-58