UAAP juniors basketball champion FEU Baby Tamaraws. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Far Eastern University-Diliman leaned on LJ Gonzales to repeat over National University, 81-73, and reclaim the championship Friday in the UAAP Season 79 juniors basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Baby Tamaraws closed out the Bullpups with a 15-4 run, turning a 63-60 deficit into a double digit advantage with two minutes left to play.
Gonzales, who had a double-double outing in the Baby Tamaraws’ 66-65 opening victory, contributed 12 points, six assists and three boards.
He carried the Baby Tamraws despite getting into foul trouble early that allowed the Bullpups to race to a 26-13 advantage.
“With LJ in foul trouble, we didn’t have someone who could penetrate. NU played well too. It was a good thing he was able to recover,” said FEU-Diliman coach Allan Albano in Filipino.
With Gonzales,who was eventually named the Finals MVP, getting into the groove, the Baby Tamaraws took the upper hand at 51-50 heading into the payoff period.
FEU-Diliman swept the best-of-three series for their first title since 2012.
Kenji Roman, one of five FEU-Diliman graduating players, had a double-double effort of 18 points and 15 rebounds while RJ Abarrientos added 13 points, six boards and two steals.
The scores:
FEU 81- Roman 18, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 12, Gabane 10, Gloria 9, Jabel 5, Celzo 5, Torres 3, Sapinit 2, Baclay 2, Ro. Alforque 2, Ra. Alforque 0, Bieren 0, Sevilla 0.
NU 73 – Clemente 26, Peñano 10, Amsali 7, Manalang 7, Tolentino 6, Sarip 5, Malonzo 4, Coyoca 3, Callejo 3, Atienza 2, Dela Cruz 0, Fortea 0.
Quarters: 15-26, 30-34, 51-50, 81-73