UAAP: Tams nip Bulldogs; Falcons trip Tigers

MANILA—Far Eastern University’s young guards provided the endgame lift as the Tamaraws nipped the National U Bulldogs, 62-59, Sunday to climb to second in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Rookie Cris Tolomia and Terrence Romeo, last year’s top freshman, knocked in the key baskets in the final two minutes to seal the Tamaraws’ third win in four games.

Adamson had an easier time earlier against University of Santo Tomas, winning 81-71 as the Falcons sustained a surprising 16-0 start behind Janus Lozada and Alex Nuyles.

“It was a good win for us, we worked hard from the start,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria.

Two Falcons posted career-high games with Lozada recording 21 points on a 7-of-9 shooting and Eric Camson also delivering 19 markers on an 8-of-14 clip.

Adamson dealt UST its first loss, leaving both teams tied for third at 2-1.

RR Garcia led the Tamaraws with 17 and Aldrech Ramos chipped in nine markers and 11 rebounds.

But it’s their young crew who starred in the clutch with Tolomia burying a three-pointer with 2:32 minutes left that put the Tamaraws on top, 60-59, before Romeo nailed a jumper over a minute later.

FEU coach Bert Flores also credited his big men for their improved play as the Tamaraws outrebounded their opponent for the first time, 53-31.

“One of our goals was to get at least 50 [boards], because we’ve been losing in rebounding,” said Flores.
The scores:
First Game
FEU 62—Garcia 17, Ramos 9, Tolomia 7, Sentcheu 7, Romeo 7, Cawaling 6, Exciminiano 5, Foronda 2, Cruz 2, Escoto 0, Mendoza 0, Bringas 0.
NATIONAL U 59—Alolino 12, Parks 11, Ignacio 10, Terso 10, Celiz 4, Mbe 3, Singh 3, Eman 2, Khobuntin 2, Javillonar 2, Villamor 0, Neypes 0, Celda 0, Magat 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 35-37, 53-54, 62-59
Second Game
ADAMSON 81—Lozada 21, Camson 19, Nuyles 16, Alvarez 11, Manyara 5, Colina 4, Etrone 3, Cañada 2, Petilos 0, Brondial 0, Cabrera 0.
UST 71—Teng 15, Afuang 14, Abdul 13, Ferrer 9, Fortuna 8, Camus 8, Pe 2, Vigil 1, Lo 1, Tan 0, Sheriff 0.
Quarters: 16-5, 42-29, 64-48, 81-71