Tams down Falcons, complete Final 4 cast

FAR Eastern University (FEU) came alive in the second half as it toppled Adamson University, 71-54, clinching the last Final Four berth in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws pulled away from a team-high 14 points while Richard tight battle in the last 20 minutes and Escoto and Prince Orizu chipped in 11 even led by as much as 15 points late and 10 markers, respectively, while in the game as they completed the semicombining for 20 rebounds for the finals cast with a 7-7 win-loss record. Tamaraws, who booked their fifth

“We’re happy. I have to hand it to our straight semifinals appearance. players. They never gave up. They never Rob Manalang contributed 15 wavered in their desire to get into the Final points while Papi Sarr had 10 markers Four,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela. and seven rebounds for the third seed

With the win, the Morayta-based Soaring Falcons, who dropped to 9-5 cagers avoided a do-or-die match for heading into the playoffs. the final playoff berth against UniverAhead by only three points at the half, sity of the Philippines (UP), which 35-32, the Tamaraws launched an 11-2 routed National University (NU), 106run capped by Escoto’s layup to post a 81, earlier in the opening game. 52-40 lead late in the third period.

“I told them (players) to narrow Orizu notched eight points, hightheir focus and not to think about the lighted by two completed three-point game happening earlier and even the plays, in the final frame to take charge Final Four. I told them to think about of a closing 10-2 rally. what we have to do to win this game Earlier, UP banked on a balanced and they did that,” said Racela. attack as it edged out NU, closing its

Arvin Tolentino finished with a campaign on a bright note but miss- ing another semifinals in 20 years.

Five Fighting Maroons registered double-digit scoring as they finished with a 6-8 slate, a notch higher than their 5-9 card last season.

Paul Desiderio led UP’s onslaught as the top gunner exploded with a career-high tying 30 points while Juan Gomez De Liaño and his older brother Javi also tallied their careerbest productions of 22 and 17 markers respectively.

Rounding up the Maroons in dou- ble figures were Jun Manzo, who scored 14 points, and Ibrahim Ouattara, who added 12 markers.

Issa Gaye led the Bulldogs with a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds while graduating guard Jayjay Alejandro contributed 16 markers.

NU bowed out of contention with a 5-9 record, leading to another Final Four absence for the second straight season.