Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University put a stop to the league’s only perfect run after fending off Adamson University, 88-85, in overtime in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws improved to 4-2 to stay in third place while the Falcons slipped into a share for the top spot with Ateneo at 5-1.
After losing a 17-point lead, 69-52, in the fourth quarter, the Tamaraws regrouped in overtime and survived the exits of Arvin Tolentino, Prince Orizu, and Kennet Tuffin.
Overtime eventually became a show of free throws as nine of the total 13 points in extra period came from the stripe.
The game’s biggest shot, though, came off a mad scramble for the ball after Adamson center Papi Sarr turned the ball over, Hubert Cani raced down the floor and found the trailing Barkley Eboña for the layup that effectively iced the match with 20.1 seconds left.
Sean Manganti tried to sent the game to another overtime but Wendell Comboy blocked his three-point attempt with four seconds left.
“We just kept on encouraging the players,” said FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales who spoke to the media instead of head coach Olsen Racela who had to leave early.
Tolentino, who was called with a disqualifying foul with 3:43 left in regulation, led FEU’s scorers with 19 points while Hubert Cani added 14 points.
Comboy finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks for the Tamaraws.
Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Falcons with 21 points with six rebounds while Manganti had 20 points and six rebounds.