Tams nip Eagles, clinch no. 1 spot

Manila, Philippines – The Far Eastern University Tamaraws clinched the top spot and probably the top individual award for their heart and soul when they clawed back from the clutches of defeat to turn back defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, 74-72, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 73 men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a preview of what could be the season’s Finals series unless Adamson Falcons and De La Salle Green Archers decide to crash the party, the Tamaraws showed they are already ripe for the elusive crown, which they last held in 2005.

Down by six with 3:25 to go, the Tamaraws shut down the Eagles while they embarked on an 8-0 windup that settled who’s no.1 heading into next week’s Final Four.

Eric Salamat scored on a three-pointer to push Ateneo ahead, 72-66, and moved them within minutes away from clinching the top spot it used the past two season’s in winning back-to-back titles. Salamat even celebrated the shot with his signature salute to a delirious Ateneo crowd, who were sensing that they are on their way to another remarkable triumph.

But alas, the Tamaraws were too hungry and determined to let the no. 1 spot, which they held all throughout the season, slips away.

After an and1 play in FEU’s previous possession, Reil Cervantes barreled again his way to the basket to cut the deficit to just four, 68-72. Then rookie Terrence Romeo converted an Ateneo botched play into a fade away jumper that was aided by a lucky bounce to inch closer, 70-72.

Ateneo’s uncharacteristic meltdown continued in the next play as Ryan Buenafe lost the ball to the sidelines, setting the stage for another RR Garcia heroics.

With the game on the line and his MVP bid hanging in the balance, Garcia circled to the top of the key and got the hand off for a clutch trey I the final 42.6 seconds. It was the kind of shot that pierced through the Eagles’ heart.

Needing to win by four, the Eagles made one last attempt at sending the game into overtime after Reil Cervantes split his charities in the final 20.1 seconds.

Emman Monfort’s shot, however, went too high off the glass and rimmed out as the buzzer sounded. Ateneo coach Norman Black, who was incensed by what he felt were non-calls including the final play, went after the referees to plea his case.

“Ilang beses na kaming sinave ni RR [Garcia]. It’s payback time naman. Ang instruction ko sa kanila in the final three minutes when we’re down by six, ay kunin natin ‘tong panalong ito para sa kaniya. Good thing, his teammates, delivered,” FEU coach Glenn Capacio said afterwards.

Garcia, who was locked in a tight battle against National University’s Cameroonian import Emmanuel Mbe for the coveted MVP award heading into this game, felt the pressure early as he picked up 3 fouls in the first half alone.

Garcia, who was the focus of Ateneo’s defense, finished with only 8 points on just 3-of-9 shooting that ended his streak of scoring in double figures this season. But the combo guard atoned for what he termed as “tight” performance with the game’s biggest basket, the clutch three-pointer – his second out of four attempts from downtown.

“Medyo naramdaman ko ang pressure sa simula kasi nasa akin ang focus ng depensa nila [Ateneo]. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nag-step up talaga sila,” said Garcia.

The league MVP will be known on Monday.

The win gave the twice-to-beat armed Tamaraws a 12-2 record and will play no.4 seed De La Salle Green Archers on Thursday while Ateneo, which also has the twice-to-beat advantage, will face Adamson Falcons on Saturday.

“Natutuwa ako dahil ngayon lang ulit nag-no.1 ang FEU. Ang huli pa ay noong 2005 pa with the same 12-2 record. Hopefully, same result din,” said Capacio, referring to the last time the Tamaraws, who was still led by now PBA star Arwind Santos, won a championship.

FEU, who also played without skipper Jens Knuttel and Carl Cruz due to sore eyes, also got a huge lift from leading Rookie of the Year contender Terrence Romeo. The second stringer guard scored 15 points and hauled down 10 rebounds.

The Scores:

FEU 74 – Romeo 15, Ramos 15, Cervantes 14, Sanga 11, Garcia 8, Bringas 6, Cawaling 4, Noundou 1, Mendoza 0, Exciminiano 0.

ADMU 72 – Buenafe 14, Salva 13, Salamat 12, Chua 11, Long 8, Monfort 6, Tiongson 5, Golla 2, Escueta 1, Dela Cruz 0, Austria 0.

Quarters: 16-17, 32-33, 54-50, 74-72.

Source: Alder T. Almo, www.uaapsports.com