Carl Tamayo stars for UP. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Rookie slotman Carl Tamayo scored 12 of his 19 points in the final three minutes to lift University of the Philippines to 78-74 come-from-behind victory over La Salle Friday night ensuring the Fighting Maroons spot in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball championship.
The 6-foot-7 Tamayo, quiet most of the game as UP struggled, led the Maroons uprising from down 71-61 less than four minutes left in the game.
UP will thus face Ateneo in the best-of-three finals which begins on Sunday, holding the psychological edge of being the first team to deal the Blue Eagles their first defeat in three years.
WATCH: Carl Tamayo’s clutch and one play.
The rookie sparked UP’s fourth quarter comeback, scoring 12 of his 19 points in the period. #UAAPSeason84 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/yvtyynOMa6
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 6, 2022
Harold Alarcon touched off the windup with a three-pointer and then Tamayo started piling up points, tying the game at 73 with a layup off a steal by Joel Cagulangan in the last 1:36.
La Salle’s hardworking forward Mike Phillips made it 74-73 but Tamayo barreled through to force back-to-back fouls from a desperate defenders. Tamayo converted all four charities to complete the comeback that didn’t materialize during their first Final Four match last Wednesday.