Tigers, Tamaraws stay on fire

Far Eastern University’s Mac Belo rises to block Ateneo gunner Kiefer Ravena in Sunday’s UAAP game at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ/INQUIRER

As thrilling as come-from-behind wins may be, it’s not exactly what University of Santo Tomas coach Bong dela Cruz wants for his Tigers.

“The second round is tougher because all the teams have already made their adjustments against us,” said Dela Cruz. “So we have to double our efforts in everything we do.”

La Salle looked all primed to avenge their first-round loss to UST. But the Tigers again came roaring back for an 81-79 escape over the Archers in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s a concern for us,” said Dela Cruz. “Hopefully, next game won’t be a come-from-behind win.”

UST continued to lord it over with a 7-1 record along with Far Eastern U, which got past Ateneo, 66-61, in the other match.

Just like the Tigers, the Tamaraws worry about their game lapses despite coming out steady at crunchtime yet again behind veterans Mac Belo (12 points), Russel Escoto (10), Roger Pogoy (10) and Mike Tolomia (8).

“I don’t think we’re playing on a championship level,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “We still have to work on things at the defensive end.”

Karim Abdul paced a balanced charge with 18 points, including the go-ahead basket that boosted the Tigers ahead, 75-73, with over two minutes to go after trailing by as many as 11 points, 37-48, in the third quarter.

“This is the kind of game that we’ve been waiting for—a balanced attack,” said Dela Cruz.

Abdul also grabbed 11 boards, while Ed Daquioag added 17 points and Kevin Ferrer had 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The scores:

First Game

FEU 66—Belo 12, Escoto Ru. 10, Pogoy 10, Tolomia 8, Iñigo 7, Tamsi 6, Dennison 4, Arong 3, Jose 2, Orizu 2, Trinidad 2, Escoto Ri. 0, Holmqvist 0.

ATENEO 61—Ravena 15, Wong 14, Pessumal 8, Gotladera 7, Black 6, Ikeh 6, Babilonia 3,  Tolentino A. 2, Apacible 0, Cani 0, Capacio 0, Ma. Nieto 0, Tolentino V. 0.

Quarters: 19-19, 30-32, 47-47, 66-61

Second Game

UST 81—Abdul 18, Daquioag 17, Ferrer 15, Vigil 13, Lee 13, Sheriff 3, Bonleon 2, Abdurasad 0, Caunan 0, Faundo 0, Garrido 0, Lao 0, Subido 0.

LA SALLE 79—Teng 16, Rivero 13, Torralba 12, Torres 11, Tratter 7, Perkins 6, Sargent 6, Navarro 5, Langston 3.

Quarters: 21-22, 37-45, 59-66, 81-79