Terrence Romeo dribbles the ball as Joel Jolangcob chases him. Photo by Raffy Dela Pena, Filoil Flying V Sports.
MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University gained separation in the third quarter and bested Perpetual Help, 88-81, Saturday in the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San juan.
They made the Altas’ pay for their 19 turnovers, turning them into 23 fastbreak points as the Tamaraws’ quick guards ran the show on the open court.
What was just a 42-40 lead at the intermission ballooned to double digits, as big as 14 points, in the second half.
Terrence Romeo unleashed four triples as he continued his impressive offensive to lead the Tamaraws to their first win with 21 points.
Mike Tolomia added 13 points, five rebounds and five assist while RR Garcia finished with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal. Forward Mark Belo added 12 and eight.
“Sinusunod lang namin yung system na coach. Miss or made dapat takbo kami ng takbo kaya nung huli humiwalay kami,” said the soft-spoken Tolomia.
Romeo was all alone for two points to give the Tamaraws an 88-74 lead, the biggest of the game, with 1:47 to play.
But the Altas managed to close the game on a 7-0 run to keep the final score close, leaving a lot to be desired when it came to FEU’s defense.
“There are a lot of things to work on. We allowed the opponents to score 81 points, meaning we need to improve lot on our defense,” said head coach Nash Racela.
Nosa Omorogbe, meanwhile, finished with 32 points for the Altas, who didn’t lack firepower with seven triples, but just out gunned on the break. Juneric Balorio added 16
Omorogbe nailed four of the seven triples for Perpetual Help, which absorbed its second setback of the tournament.
The scores:
FEU 88 – Romeo 21, Tolomia 13, Belo 12, Garcia 11, Cruz 8, Hargrove 7, Escoto 6, Inigo 13, Mendoza 2, Delfinado 2, Aguilon 0, Dennison 0, Luz 0, Jose 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 81- Omorgbe 32, Baloria 16, Elopre 12, Allano 10, Arboleda 4, Dizon 3, Oliveria 2, Lucente 2, Jolangcob 0, Bitoy 0, Bantayan 0, Ylagan 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 42-40, 64-55, 88-81.