Tamaraws Gore Warriors: UST Beats UP

Far Eastern University overcame a scary situation in the third quarter when it blew a commanding lead but veterans somehow came through with big plays in the payoff period to beat University of the East, 91-81, in the 73rd UAAP basketball tournament Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Sanga hit 6-of-8 from rainbow country for 18 points while Smart Gilas-RP team member Aldrech Ramos tallied a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds to help FEU recover from a third period meltdown.

"Happy pa din ako dahil nung last quarter na-stop namin si Paul Lee at saka sinasabi ko lagi sa kanila na walang madaling game," said coach Glenn Capacio, who downplayed this win as a "sweet revenge" after UE stunned FEU in last year's Final Four.

Lee erupted for 27 points despite his injury on his right foot and a scoreless spell in the fourth period.

The exciting guard was at the forefront of UE’s onslaught when it took a 66-65 lead with 33 ticks left in the third period.

But the Tamaraws outscored the Warriors, 24-15, to notch their third straight win in as many outings.

The 0-3 start of the Warriors, now being handled by Lawrence Chongson, is the worst record so far in over a decade for the once revered squad.



Earlier, University of Santo Tomas escaped with an 87-81 overtime win over University of the Philippines to forge a four-way tie for second with Ateneo, La Salle and Adamson for second place.

Jeric Fortuna erupted for 8-of-10 triples, the most since National University's Jeff Napa fired 10 threes in 2001, for 29 points, six rebounds and five assists while Aljon Mariano and Jeric Teng, who split his charities to tie the game at 69-all with three seconds in regulation to force overtime, added 18 and 13 points, apiece.

It was a disappointing loss for the Fighting Maroons, whose coach Aboy Castro informed school officials two days ago that he will go on indefinite leave because of personal reasons, according to UP College of Human Kinetics dean Lailani Gonzalo.

Gonzalo reiterated that Castro is still the team's coach amid reports that newly-appointed consultant Boyet Fernandez, who was first seen on the UP sidelines in Saturday's loss to Adamson, has reportedly replaced Castro.

"It's us and coach Boyet who will handle the team for now," said UP assistant coach Jerry Codinera.

The scores:

First Game

UST 87 - Fortuna 29, Mariano 18, Teng 13, Bautista 9, Daquiaog 6, Camus 6, Afuang 4, Pe 2, Wong 0, Tinte 0, Mamaril 0, Lo 0, Marquez 0, Aytona 0.

UP 81 - Sison 19, Reyes Ma, 19, Silungan 16, Padilla 10, Co 9, Lopez 8, Saret 0, Manuel 0, Reyes Mi. 0, Maniego 0, Juruena 0, Gomez 0.

Quarters: 12-15; 39-32; 57-56; 69-69 (Reg); 87-81.

Second Game

FEU 91 - Sanga 18, Ramos 17, Garcia 14, Cervantes 11, Noundou 10, Romeo 9, Bringas 6, Mendoza 2, Exciminiano 2, Cawaling 2, Cawaling 0.

UE 81 - Lee 27, Acibar 16, Casajeros 12, Duran 10, Reyes 9, Zamar 5, Razon 2, Santos 0, Rosopa 0, Martinez 0.

Quarters: 28-12; 43-36; 67-66; 91-81.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin