MANILA, Philippines – The Far Eastern University Tamaraws continued to exert their dominance in the fourth quarter as they used a series of runs in the final 10 minutes to seal a victory and sweep their season series against the UP Fighting Maroons, 68-57, on Wednesday, October 14, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Propelled by the impressive play of star Mac Belo in the fourth period, the Tamaraws improve to 8-1 in the UAAP Season 78 senior’s basketball tournament, while the Fighting Maroons fall to 3-6.
Roger Pogoy finished with 17 points to lead the Tamaraws to their seventh straight victory, while Belo finished with 12 points - 9 in the fourth quarter - and 12 boards. Mike Tolomia was silent for most of the contest, but still wound up with 11 points, 5 boards, and 3 dimes.
UP, who was on top by two after the first quarter, was led by the 16 points of second-year stud Diego Dario. Jett Manual also played well with 11 points, but Paul Desiderio recorded just 8 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
The win further improved FEU’s chances of gaining a twice-to-beat seed, while UP’s quest for a spot in the Final Four took a hit.
“We’re not thinking about it yet. One game at a time,” FEU head coach Nash Racela explained his boys’ mindset during the post-game presser. His team is a victory away from attaining a Final Four seed.
“The last few days, it’s something we talked about as a team - how we can improve day to day.”
For moments during the fourth period, it looked like UP had a legitimate chance of pulling the upset when Henry Asilum and Agustini Amar hit back-to-back jumpers which pulled their team within one, 45-44.
That’s when the Tamaraws decided to take over a game in the fourth period for the fourth straight time.
Back-to-back baskets by Raymar Jose and Pogoy put their team ahead 51-44 with 7:18 to go. UP was unable to stop the bleeding with a basket, and the Tamaraws continued to throw punches courtesy of jumpers by Pogoy and Francis Tamsi, 56-44.
The Maroons halted the run thanks to a Cheick Kone slam, but then FEU went on a 7-0 run capped off by buckets from Belo and Jose.
After which, the scored read 63-46 in favor of the Tamaraws with 3:55 to go, making the result no longer a question.
“Siguro nag a-adjust na yung ibang team siguro,” Pogoy talked about why the past few games have been more difficult for the Tamaraws, despite the wins. “Sabi nga ni coach, yung second round mas mahirap sa first round.”
(I guess the other teams are adjusting to us. Coach did say the second round is more difficult than the first.)
“Marami pa kaming dapat i-improve,” added Belo.
(There’s a lot we still need to improve on.)
FEU shot 37% from the field, including just 22% from deep. UP, however, wasn’t any better as they went 23-of-71 from the floor and 2-of-13 from downtown. The Tamaraws, who had 15 players see action today, also received 35 points from their bench.
UP will aim to get back on the winning track when they face UE on Sunday, October 18. FEU battles with DLSU on the same day.
Scores:
FEU (68): Pogoy 17, Belo 12, Tolomia 11, Tamsi 9, Arong 8, Escoto 5, Jose 4, Orizu 2, Comboy 0, Dennison 0, Ebona 0, Escoto 0, Holmqvist 0, Inigo 0, Trinidad 0
UP (57): Dario 16, Manuel 11, Desiderio 8, Asilum 6, Kone 4, Amar 3, Juruena 3, Gallarza 2, Harris 2, Moralde 2, Jaboneta 0, Lim 0, Longa 0, Vito 0
Quarter scores: 17-19, 33-28, 43-40, 68-57 – Rappler.com