FEU BAGS FINAL FOUR BERTH
FAR Eastern University (FEU) beat University of the East (UE) 71-67 to bag the first Final Four slot in the University Athletic Association (UAAP) of the Philippines Season 78 men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Power forward Mac Belo led the Tamaraws with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Roger Pogoy finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. FEU now has a win-loss record of 9- 10.
“Scary win,” said FEU coach Nash Racela during the postgame interview. “UE never gave up until the endgame and it was tough for us. We just found a way to win in the fourth quarter and we can concentrate now on our next game against Adamson.”
“We are just trying to be patient in the first half and I’m happy my teammates didn’t give up,” said Belo.
Alejandrino Inigo posted 11 points, while Prince Orizu and Jose Raymar contributed eight points each also for the Tamaraws.
Guard Mike Tolomia sprained his left ankle during the third quarter and didn’t finish the game.
UE’s win-loss record dropped to 3-7.
In the first game, Adamson University, behind the dynamic play of Cameroonian Pape Sarr pulled off a 75-74 comeback victory over De La Salle University. The win halted the Falcons’ threegame losing streak.
Sarr notched 10 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter in addition to 14 rebounds to lead the Falcons. Adamson’s win-loss record improved to 2-9. Guard Joseph Nalos scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter plus six assists and two steals.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff who’ve never lost their trust on us,” said Sarr.
“We have a tough loss last Wednesday and it was hard to encourage the players when you’re coming from a loss,” said Adamson University coach Mike Fermin. “The players are very determined to win. Credit goes to all the players.”
La Salle’s win- loss record dropped to 5-5.
The victory Adamson’s seven- game losing streak to La Salle. The last time the Falcons won over the Green Archers was on August 14, 2011 in the second round of UAAP Season 74.