Tigers clinch 2nd semis berth
Games Wednesday (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. – Adamson vs FEU 4 p.m. – La Salle vs NU
University of Santo Tomas banked on the timely baskets of Kevin Ferrer to turn back University of Philippines, 83-76, last night and clinch the second Final Four berth in the UAAP basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-4 Ferrer, playing his final season, bounced back from a horrendous 1-of-11 shooting in Wednesday’s loss to Ateneo by scoring 29 points that went along with his 14 rebounds to help power the Growling Tigers to their ninth win in 11 outings.
UST thus joined idle Far Eastern University in the semis, a feat that restored the faith of the school on coach Bong dela Cruz after the Tigers suffered an early exit in his coaching debut last season.
“Siyempre ang Final Four target namin, pero yan pa lang ang umpisa ng target namin. Siyempre ang target namin finals,” said Dela Cruz.
The lanky forward came to the rescue for UST as he scored nine of the team’s last 14 points during a time which UP tried to stage a big rally.
Twice the Maroons trimmed the lead to three and twice Ferrer responded to the call.
UP last threatened at 71-68 on Jett Manuel’s triple with 2:59 remaining. But Ferrer quickly responded by scoring off the smaller Paul Desiderio to stretch the lead to five.
From there, the Tigers relied on their suffocating defense, allowing the Maroons to make just one field goal.
Earlier, Kiefer Ravena erupted for 21 of his 32 points in the first quarter and Ateneo moved a win shy of the Final Four after beating defending champion National University, 68-59.
Von Pessumal then took the scoring cudgels from Ravena by scoring 17 of his 20 points in the second half as the Blue Eagles secured their third straight win to strengthen their hold of third spot with a 7-4 record.
Ravena 32, Pessumal 20, Ikeh 4, Wong 3, A. Tolentino, V. Tolentino 3, Black 2, Ma. Nieto 1, Babilonia 0, Capacio 0, Go 0, Cani 0.
Alolino 17, Aroga 10, Javillonar 8, Diputado 7, Celda 7, Neypes 4, Alejandro 3, Javelona 3, Yu 0, Rangel 0, Tansingco 0.
Quarters: 24-16; 38-35; 52-47; 68-59.
Ferrer 29, Vigil 16, Daquioag 15, Abdul 10, Lao 7, Subido 3, Lee 3, Bonleon 0, Sherrif 0.
Manuel 21, Amar 12, Dario 11, Desiderio 10, Asilum 5, Jaboneta 5, Vito 4, Moralde 4, Gallarza 2, Harris 0, Juruena 0, Longa 0.
Quarters: 15-11; 38-35; 61-51; 83-76.