Tamaraws secure third straight victory

 

c/o UAAP

Far Eastern University took advantage of a strong second half to dispatch the University of the East in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, 75-68.

The Tamaraws outscored the Red Warriors, 21-9 in the third period to take a 55-51 lead heading into the final canto. This was after they allowed UE to score the first twelve points of the game, which they then built a lead as large as fifteen points.

FEU would then try to break the game open to start the fourth quarter, with ten straight points to take a 65-51 lead with under seven minutes remaining.

But UE was game to the challenge, as a 12-2 blast from Gani Stevens and Nikko Paranada would cut the deficit to 63-67 with 138 seconds left.

Patrick Tchuente then scored back-to-back baskets to stem UE's momentum and helped hold on to the victory. He would eventually finish with a double-double, contributing thirteen points and eleven rebounds.

FEU Head coach Olsen Racela shared post-match, "My players stuck to the game plan. Nagkaproblema lang in the start but our zone helped us but it was our team defense that really gave us that win."

Leading the way for the Tamaraws is Xyrus Torres, who nailed six triples on his way to 22 points and five steals, with LJ Gonzales adding fourteen points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.

The win makes it three straight victories for FEU after opening the season with five straight defeats.

As for UE, they suffered their third straight loss to fall to 3-5. Paranada tallied 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists, with Stevens netting thirteen points whilst making all six of his attempts from the field. He also grabbed nine rebounds.

The scores:

FEU 75 -- Torres 22, Gonzales 14, Tchuente 13, Sajonia 6, Anonuevo 5, Sleat 4, Bautista 4, Bagunu 3, Tempra 2, Celzo 2, Alforque 0, Sandagon 0.

UE 68 -- N. Paranada 21, Stevens 13, Villegas 13, Payawal 9, K. Paranada 6, Sawat 4, Pagsanjan 2, Remogat 0, Alcantara 0, Guevarra 0, Antiporda 0, Beltran 0.

Quarters: 8-23, 34-42, 55-51, 75-68.