UAAP juniors: FEU knocks off La Salle, faces Ateneo next

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Far Eastern University outfought De La Salle-Zobel, 65-55, in their knockout semifinal match in the UAAP Season 76 juniors basketball action Tuesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Baby Tams rode on JJ Domingo, who came through with 18 points — highlighted by a clutch triple — that held off the Junior Archers’ rally from 17 points down.

Domingo’s dagger of a trey came at the 1:48 mark that stretched FEU’s advantage back to eight, 61-53.

Marvin Lee registered 12 points while David Completo added nine to backup Domingo, who also grabbed eight rebounds.

FEU tries to keep its title-retention bid going when it tangles with second seed Ateneo on Saturday with the Blue Eaglets owning a twice-to-beat edge.

Graduating Renzo Subido scored 17 points, while Aljun Melecio and Karl Maldinger had 11 each for La Salle.

NU, the 2011 champion, earned an outright trip to the Finals after sweeping the elimination round.