UP trips Tamaraws to boost F4 bid

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PAUL DESIDERIO buried the gamewinning triple as University of the Philippines nailed a come-frombehind 59-56 win over Far Eastern University to bolster its Final Four bid in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Desiderio sank the go-ahead trey Ouattara tallied a huge double-double with 1.1 seconds remaining as the of 10 markers and 15 boards. Fighting Maroons fought their way Jasper Parker and Arvin Tolentino back from 12 points down en route chalked 13 and 12 points respecto notching their fifth win against tively for the Tamaraws, who six losses for a share of No. 4 with dropped to a 5-6 win-loss record. the Tamaraws. FEU’s top scorer Ron Dennison

“It (final play) was really for him was held by Desiderio to jus nine (Desiderio). We made a decision points on a dismal 4-of-13 shootthat even if they (FEU) foul, the last ing from the field. shot would be taken by Paul,” said “My mindset is that this was my last UP head coach Bo Perasol. matchup with Ron Dennison, so I have

It was the State U’s return to the to get even with him,” said Desiderio. winning track following back-toTolentino dropped 11 points, inback losses to De La Salle Univercluding two straight triples, to trigger a sity and University of the East (UE). blistering 19-0 surge as FEU posted a

Despite shooting just 30 percent from 44-33 spread late in the third period. the field, Desiderio came through with a Jojo Trinidad went for an easy basket game-high 15 points while Ibrahim to give the host school its largest lead, 49-37, at the start of the final frame.

But the Maroons fired 13 unanswered points while keeping the Tamaraws scoreless for five minutes to snatch the advantage, 56-53, with 38 seconds left.

Parker sank a three-pointer to end FEU’s scoring drought and put the game on a 56-56 deadlock with 32 ticks remaining.

After UP secured the last possession, Desiderio sank the dagger trey over the outstretched arm of Dennison to seal the crucial win.

Earlier, Ateneo De Manila University leaned on a balanced attack to demolish University of the East (UE), 97-73, and clinch a twice-to-beat bonus heading into the Final Four.

Four Blue Eagles finished in double figures while four others chipped in at least seven points as they soared to a seamless 11-0 start to gain one of the two playoff incentives.

Thirdy Ravena paced the leading Ateneo with 17 points on top of eight rebounds and four assists, Jolo Mendoza scored 13 markers while Vince Tolentino and Raffy Verano each added 12 points.

Mark Maloles finished with 20 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting while Mark Olayon contributed 15 markers for the Red Warriors, who fell to 3-9.

Ravena 17, Mendoza 13, Tolentino 12, Verano 12, Asistio 9, Porter 9, Nieto Mi. 7, Ikeh 7, Mamuyac 3, Nieto Ma. 2, Go 2, Black 2, Andrade 2, Tio 0, White 0.

Maloles 20, Olayon 15, Pasaol 8, Bartolome 7, Cullar 5, Varilla 5, Acuno 4, Derige 4, Manalang 3, Conner 2, Cruz 0, Toribio 0.

21- 18; 48- 35; 71- 52;

Desiderio 15, Ouattara 10, Manzo 7, Gomez de Liaño Ju. 7, Gomez de Liaño Ja. 6, Lim 6, Vito 5, Lao 2, Jaboneta 1, Webb 0, Prado 0, Dario 0, Ricafort 0, Battad 0, Romero 0.

Parker 13, Tolentino 12, Dennison 9, Comboy 6, Trinidad 4, Cani 3, Orizu 3, Ramirez 3, Tuffin 2, Eboña 1, Iñigo 0.

14- 18, 32- 25, 37- 47,