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Gab Victorino (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
The FEU Tamaraws may have exacted their revenge on the NU Bulldogs for what transpired in the UAAP Finals, but it turned out to be not enough.
In the final PCCL semifinal game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, the Tamaraws beat the Bulldogs, 60-58, but failed to meet the required winning margin to have a shot in finishing third place.
FEU needed to beat NU by 13 points or more to overtake the idle UV Green Lancers for fourth place.
The Bulldogs, however, stormed to an 18-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Tamaraws slowly crawled back and eventually took the lead for good late in the game.
However, NU's stifling defense, which was the team's key to beating FEU for its first UAAP plum in 60 years, kept FEU from pulling away and take the 13-point spread.
Carl Cruz led the Tamaraws with ten points on 4-of-8 shooting.
Mac Belo, who scorched for 30 points in a PBA D-League game last night, was limited to only eight points.
JJay Alejandro scored a game-high 11 markers for the Bulldogs.
The Green Lancers will now take on fellow CESAFI member USC Warriors in the third place match on Thursday at the same arena.
The Warriors, despite finishing the Elite 8 round with a 3-1 record, failed to enter the Finals after the San Beda Red Lions, who own the tiebreaker via the winner-over-the-other rule, crushed the Arellano Chiefs in the earlier match.
Box Scores:
FEU 60-Cruz 10, Belo 8, Trinidad 6, Delfinado 6, Tolomia 6, Tamsi 5, Orizu 4, Pogoy 4, Denila 3, Ebona 3, Escoto 2, Inigo 2, Jose 1, Lee Yu 0
NU 58-Alejandro 11, Aroga 9, Betayene 8, Tansingco 7, Celda 5, Neypes 4, Yu 3, Rosario 3, Alolino 3, Diputado 2, Salim 2, Khobuntin 1, Cauilan 0, Perez 0, Javelona 0, Atangan 0
Quarterscores: 12-18, 28-30, 47-46, 60-58