Tams, Stags hurdle rivals

FAR Eastern U’s Anthony Hardgrove elevates to block Clint Nuñez of Jose Rizal U in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

TERRENCE Romeo fueled Far Eastern University’s early breakaway as the Tamaraws drubbed the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 69-52, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

Romeo knocked in eight of his 17 points in a pivotal second-quarter run to help the Tamaraws streak to their fourth straight win and claim solo second (4-1) in Group B.

“We just have to work on our ball-sharing and to involve more players in our offense,” said FEU coach Bert Flores.

Earlier, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang carried San Sebastian through another tough outing as the Stags disposed of Lyceum, 78-72, to climb to third behind the Tamaraws in Group B.

Combining for more than half of their team’s production, Abueva and Sangalang got the Stags’ play back in order after the Pirates forged a 61-61 tie early in the fourth quarter.

“I gave the players a chance to decide for themselves, to get out of the hole that they got into,” said Stags coach Topex Robinson.

The Stags, who narrowly escaped St. Benilde, 82-80, last Wednesday, streaked to their third straight triumph for a 3-2 record.

Sangalang buried 27 points—including crucial back-to-back baskets that lifted the Stags, 65-61—and hauled down 18 rebounds.

Abueva, in his typical all-around effort, post-ed 23 points, 12 boards and three blocks.

The Bombers slipped to 3-3, while the Pirates absorbed their sixth loss in seven games.
In Group A, Letran bucked the absence of its top gunner for the second straight game and repulsed University of the Philippines, 64-55.

The Knights improved to 3-2 even minus injured star Kevin Alas. With reports from Randolph Leongson and Rodolfo Lozada

The scores:
First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 78—Sangalang 27, Abueva 23, Antipuesto 9, Dela Cruz 6, Rebollos 5, Grilli 5, Dones 2, Miranda 1, Vitug 0, Binuya 0, Maiquez 0, Balucanag 0.
LYCEUM 72—Guevarra 18, Laude 17, Zamora 8, Ambohot 7, Cayabyab 6, Azores 5, Ko 4, Mallari 3, Francisco 2, Mendoza 2, Garcia 0, Edding 0.
Quarters: 22-13, 42-28, 61-53, 78-72
Second Game
FEU 69—Romeo 17, Garcia 9, M. Bringas 8, Cruz 8, Tolomia 7, Hargrove 6, A. Bringas 6, Belo 4, Pogoy 2, Mendoza 2, Escoto 0, Inigo 0, Huevos 0, Jumao-as 0.
JRU 52—Lopez 12, Almario 11, Matute 6, Mendoza 6, Dela Paz 5, Monserat 4, Mabulac 3, Camasura 2, Carampil 2, Maconocido 1, Paniamogan 0, Munez 0, Diego 0, Salaveria 0.
Quarters: 15-16, 41-28, 58-35, 69-52