UAAP: FEU charges back to foil UE

FEU forward Mac Belo. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University went wild in the fourth quarter to trample University of the East, 92-81, in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. 

Down 12, 71-59, at the start of the final quarter, the Tamaraws made it clear they wouldn’t allow an upset after going on a 20-4 tear in the last six minutes.

“If we play defense consistently we’ll be okay,” FEU head coach Nash Racela said as the Tamaraws took the top seed with a 4-1 record. “These are signs of inconsistency when we go on a late run.”

Mac Belo, who was silenced in the middle quarters, came alive when he was most needed as he anchored the Tamaraws’ late charge, scoring half of his 24 points in the final frame. The graduating forward also collected eight rebounds and five assists.

Mike Tolomia added 15 points and eight while Raymar Jose had another double-double effort with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Red Warriors guard Von Batiller scored 18 points through three quarters as he was held scoreless in the fourth period.

UE, which slipped to 2-3, was outscored, 33-10, in the fourth quarter.