ACE GUARDS RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo combined for 37 points yesterday as Far Eastern University stayed unbeaten in four games with its most convincing triumph yet.
The Tamaraws—who won their first three outings by just an average of two points—rolled past the University of the East Warriors, 92-66, to keep the solo lead in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Garcia fueled the Tamaraws’ second-quarter turnaround by drilling 10 of his 18 points in the pivotal period. The former MVP also grabbed six rebounds and issued eight assists.
Romeo, who helped the Tamaraws keep a comfortable lead the rest of the way, posted 19 markers, five boards and eight assists.
Adamson picked up its first victory in the second game as the Falcons averted a near meltdown with a 69-67 decision over the University of the Philippines Maroons.
Eric Camson buried 10 of his 19 points in the final quarter, while rookie guard Jericho Cruz also had a breakout performance of 19 markers.
Rodney Brondial—who had a solid outing of 10 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks—nailed the game-winning putback off a Cruz miss with 18 seconds left after UP’s Alvin Padilla tied the game , 67-67.
“It’s an ugly win for us, but a win is a win,” said coach Leo Austria, whose Falcons led by as many as 20 points, 28-8.
Adamson improved to 1-2, while UP and UE skidded to their third straight setback.
FEU’s 92-point output was the highest production by any team in three seasons.
The victory also got the Tamaraws off to their best start since their 7-0 run in 2010.
In juniors’ action, National University nipped University of Santo Tomas, 68-64, for a perfect 4-0 card.
The Ateneo Blue Eaglets routed the Baby Falcons, 75-54, to join the Tiger Cubs at 2-2.
The scores:
First Game
FEU 92—Romeo 19, Garcia 18, Hargrove 11, A. Bringas 11, Mendoza 8, Tolomia 6, Escoto 5, Pogoy 4, Cruz 4, Sentcheu 2, Iñigo 2, Jose 2, Belo 0, Guerrero 0, M. Bringas 0.
UE 66—Javier 20, Sumang 16, Sumido 10, Galanza 5, Olayon 4, Hernandez 4, Belleza 2, Valdez 2, Duran 2, Flores 1, Alberto 0, Villarias 0, Santos 0, Razon 0.
Quarters: 14-18, 42-29, 61-47, 92-66
Second Game
ADAMSON 69—Cruz 19, Camson 19, Brondial 10, Nuyles 9, Rios 3, Petilos 3, Monteclaro 3, Etrone 3, Trollano 0, Julkipli 0, Deans 0, Cabrera 0, Abrigo 0.
UP 67—Lopez 17, Ball 13, Padilla 9, Montecastro 7, Gamboa 6, Manuel 4, Asilum 4, Silungan 3, Soyud 2, Hipolito 2, Mbah 0, Romero 0.
Quarters: 28-8, 37-28, 50-50, 69-67