UAAP: Romeo delivers dagger vs Adamson as FEU sweeps first round

Terrence Romeo. Photo by Junnel Maranan/ICM

MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Romeo ended the first round the way he started the season, as Far Eastern University’s best player.

Romeo scored the Tamaraws’ last eight points in the final 2:27 and towed FEU past 74-71 Adamson on Sunday for a first round sweep in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament.

He uncorked a season-high and a game-best 26 points, but it was his dagger of a triple — off the dribble and over Don Trollano from a top-of-the-key  — with 24.6 ticks left which gave FEU its seventh win.

“The time was running out. That’s when I need his one-on-one ability, those moments, dun ko siya papayagan sa mga ganun shots,” said head coach Nash Racela.

The Tamaraws owe Romeo the Lions’ share in their unbeaten run as the league’s top MVP candidate so far has never scored less than 19 in seven games.

But Racela would still like for Romeo to have better shot selection.

“Actually after the game I talked to him about it… He’s starting to learn,” he said.

Only Romeo finished in double digits while Roger Pogoy, RR Garcia and Mark Belo chipped in nine markers each.

Romeo’s late game burst saved FEU from a pesky Adamson, which even led 61-58 with 8:30 to play then pulled within two, 69-71, with 48.2 seconds left.

The Falcons, who sank to seventh place with a 3-4 record, were even given a golden chance to tie the game when FEU was whistled for a five-second inbound violation with 15.9 seconds left.

But Adamson failed to set-up play as Trollano dribbled the ball off his foot and Raoulf Julkipli’s desperation shot just sailed out, leaving only two seconds on the clock and giving the possession to FEU.

Jericho Cruz scored 21 points for the Falcons but only scored two down the stretch, while Ingrid Sewa and Rodney Brondial added 13 each.

The Cameroonian center accounted for eight of Adamson’s 22 misses from the charity stripe.

Originally posted at 04:20 pm | Sunday, July 28, 2013