Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) — Xyrus Torres once again delivered the game-winning triple, as the Far Eastern University Tamaraws prevailed against the National University Bulldogs, 59-57, in UAAP Season 84 on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Both squads are now tied at fourth place of the team standings with a 4-6 record.
“We really needed this win because we’re after NU (in the team standings). We did not give up, especially in the second half. It’s all about trust for us,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
Torres, who spearheaded FEU’s comeback with 16 points, made the clutch trey with 2.2 seconds left in the contest, after the Tamaraws had another chance to set up the offense off a previous missed rainbow shot from their ace shooter.
It was a statement victory for the Tamaraws, who bucked the odds from an 11-point halftime deficit, trailing by as much as 14 points against a fearless Bulldogs side.
The clutch three-point shot by Torres completed the comeback of the Morayta-based dribblers, who first tasted the lead in the payoff period at 55-54 from a goaltending violation by NU center Issa Gaye off an attempt by FEU big man Emman Ojuola.
Bulldogs forward Michael Malonzo nailed a crucial and-one play from a foul by Tamaraw guard RJ Abarrientos in the paint, with 37.7 seconds remaining for a 57-55 lead for the Sampaloc-based cagers.
FEU’s LJ Gonzales was fouled in the next play and split his two free-throws as NU committed a crucial turnover in the ensuing possession, which set up the Tamaraws’ last two chances for the win.
Shaun Ildefonso failed to convert his long heave in the final possession of the match.
Ojuola, who was instrumental in FEU’s fourth quarter rally, tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the important victory.
John Lloyd Clemente led the Bulldogs with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Tamaraws will next battle the University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday at 7 p.m., while the Bulldogs will prepare for a tough match against defending champions and unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at 12:30 p.m.
The Scores:
FEU 59 — Torres 16, Ojuola 11, Sandagon 10, Gonzales 7, Tempra 4, Sleat 3, Abarrientos 3, Bienes 2, Alforque 2, Li 1, Celzo 0, Sajonia 0.
NU 57 — Clemente 13, Ildefonso 9, Joson 8, Minerva 6, Malonzo 5, Felicilda 5, Torres 3, Figueroa 2, Gaye 2, Mahinay 2, Manansala 2, Yu 0, Enriquez 0.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 22-33, 40-49, 59-57.
