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| After FEU's main point guard, Mike Tolomia went down with an ankle sprain late in the third period, the Morayta-based team found a hero in veteran Mark Belo who topscored all players woth 16 points. File Photo by Dennis Jerome Acosta/Dugout Philippines |
By: Emy Manipol
Quezon City, MM - The Far Eastern University Tamarraws clinched a final four seat after surviving a scare by the University of the East Red Warriors who gave a good account of themselves but fell short during the final quarter to the tune of 71-67.
After FEU’s main point guard, Mike Tolomia, went down with an ankle sprain, late in the third period, the Morayta-based team found a hero in veteran Mac Belo who went on to topscore all players with 16 points.
UE traded baskets with FEU during the early parts of the 4th quarter before Belo went to work.
Belo put on a show with his ball handling skills that kept the UE defense at bay.
With the game clock dwindling, UE had a chance to tie the match after a made shot by Nick Abanto managed to cut down the Tamaraw’s to just a single basket.
But UE was not able to capitalize on their possessions and Edgar Charos failed to drain an all-important three.
Mac Belo was able to block a shot by UE’s Chris Javier that prevented any match extension.
Achie Inigo sealed the win for the Tamaraws who is the first team to secure a final four spot in the tourney with his two pressure packed freethrows in the end game.
Box Scores:
FEU (71) – Belo 16, Pogoy 12, Inigo 11, Jose 8, Orizu 6, Escoto Ru 6, Escoto Ri 4, Tolomia 4, Arong 2, Comboy 0, Dennison 0, Tamsi 0, Trinidad 0.
UE (67) – Batiller 13, Charcos 10, Varilla P 10, Abanto 8, Derige 8, Varilla J 7, Javier 5, Manalang 3, Palma 2, De Leon 1, Gonzales 0, Sta. Ana 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 34-34, 53-55, 71-67.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @emymanipol
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