Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons extended their winning streak to eight with a squeaker against the gritty Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 73-70, Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Tamaraws still had a chance to send the match into overtime, but RJ Abarrientos’ long shot attempt missed.
Ricci Rivero showed the way for UP with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Carl Tamayo added 14 points and six rebounds.
CJ Cansino scored all his 12 points in the third period for the Fighting Maroons who were trailing in the first half.
Emmanuel Ojuola led the charge for FEU with 16 markers and 14 boards.
The Tamaraws absorbed their third consecutive loss in the tournament.
UP will next face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on April 21, with FEU hoping to avoid another loss when it battles the National University Bulldogs on the same day.
Zavier Lucero sank a go-ahead baseline jumper to give his team the lead, before Malick Diouf split his free throws that gave their opponent enough pressure to handle in the dying seconds.
The scores:
UP (73) — Rivero 19, Tamayo 14, Cansino 12, Alarcon 8, Lucero 7, Diouf 7, Cagulangan 3, Fortea 3, Webb 0, Abadiano 0, Spencer 0, Calimag 0, Catapusan 0.
FEU (70) — Ojuola 16, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 13, Torres 9, Sandagon 6, Tempra 5, Alforque 3, Bienes 3, Li 2, Coquia 0, Sajonia 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 34-37, 57-54, 73-70.
