MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University banked on composure down the stretch as it triumphed over Adamson in another thriller, 65-62, Thursday in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Terrence Romeo starred with an inspired performance of 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block while bailing out the undefeated Tamaraws with a pivotal three-point opportunity.
Romeo pounced on a sorry turnover from Alex Nuyles, and took it straight to the hoop before getting bump in midair with 2:18 to go, which gave the Falcons a precious 65-60 edge.
“Fighting spirit at mental toughness nagpapanalo sa amin. kulang pa kasi kami sa maturity kaya dun kami bumabawi,” said Romeo, who carried FEU to an impressive 3-0 start.
RR Garcia didn’t do much offensively this time for FEU, but still finished 12 points and four rebounds while Mike Tolomia poured all but one of his total six points in the payoff period.
For head coach Bert Flores, though, the Tamaraws still haven’t reached their full potential after the three wins.
“’Di pa rin kami satisfied. Puwede rin kasing naging 0-3 kami. Hinahanap pa namin rhythm,” said Flores.
The Falcons certainly tested the Tamaraws’ mettle Thursday night—keeping in step the entire game, and even taking the lead, 58-57, with under five minutes to go.
Guard Allen Etrone, who surprisingly led the Adamson in scoring with 13 points, regained the lead for his squad with a trey off Nuyles’ assist.
But the Falcons, which sunk even lower at 0-2, allowed FEU to go on a 5-to-nothing roll and dug itself a hole it couldn’t get out off despite countless chances in the final minute.
Newcomer Jericho Cruz misfired on two crucial free throws with 58 ticks left, which was just part of Adamson’s 10 misses from the stripe.
Roider Cabrera, who was nearly held scoreless, failed on his attempt to tie the game with the time winding down.