UAAP: UP survives FEU’s late surge for opening game win

Ricci Rivero makes his debut for the UP Maroons. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines held off Far Eastern University, 61-55, to start off its bid in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons, who are hoping to build on their finals stint last season, were off to a hot start and established 38-27 lead at halftime, but the Tamaraws were not ready to give up and came alive in the second half.

FEU mounted a 17-7 run to cut the deficit to 45-44 in the third then tied the match at 55 on split charities from Wendell Comboy midway in the payoff period.

But the Tamaraws failed to follow up in their comeback, allowing the Fighting Maroons to wrap it up as Bright Akhuetie drilled a hook shot with 1:35 left and Jun Manzo’s nailed four straight free throws to iced the game.

UP head coach Bo Perasol admitted his team got too flashy for its own good and was too eager to execute the highlights rather than be consistent on its offense.

“I really think we’re very emotional with our offense, sometimes we get too carried away,” said Perasol.

Rivero announced his arrival for the Maroons, connecting with Manoz on a transition alley oop play less than four minutes into the game.

Javi Gomez de Liaño led was UP’s lone player in double figures with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists while Akhuetie, the reigning MVP, had seven points and 11 boards.

Ray Bienes had nine points to lead the Tamaraws while Pat Tchuente had eight points and 14 rebounds.