Tamaraws force deciding game, stun Blue Eagles

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University forced a do-or-die for the last finals slot after stunning top seed Ateneo, 80-67, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball Final Four Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws pulled ahead in the third quarter after erecting a 20-6 run with former Blue Eagle Hubert Cani capping it off with a layup that gave FEU a 58-44 lead late in the period.

Cani then gave FEU its biggest lead of the game, 75-58, with a booming triple that beat the shot clock buzzer with 2:45 remaining in the game.

FEU head coach Olsen Racela said they had to sustain their pace and energy from the opening tip until the final buzzer to hold off “a really strong team like Ateneo.” 

“We were really confident going into the fourth that we will finish strong,” said Racela. “I told them that we will start strong, sustain the momentum, and finish stronger.”

Ron Dennison topscored for the Tamaraws with 17 points with eight boards and two steals while Arvin Tolentino, a former Rookie of the Year for Ateneo, added 13 points.

Cani finished with 11 points for FEU while center Prince Orizu also had a double-digit scoring game with 10 points with five boards.

Thirdy Ravena led the Blue Eagles with 17 points while Mike Nieto added 13.

The deciding game is on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.