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| Roger Pogoy led the charge for FEU, pouring in 17 points. File Photo by Dennis Jerome Acosta/Dugout Philipines |
By Dugout Philippines
QUEZON CITY--Far Eastern University extended its winning streak to seven as it defeated the University of the Philippines, 68-57, in the UAAP Season 78 Men's Basketball Second Round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
FEU had an early lead as it built a 14-6 start, following a three-pointer from Roger Pogoy after a missed dunk from Prince Orizu.
UP, showing their grit and tenacity, countered with a big run as it ended the first canto on a 13-3 run, and have a lead two-point lead 19-17.
Entering the second quarter, Monbert Arong sparked FEU with his hustle to reclaim the lead.
UP had several chances to cut its deficit, but it started to miss forced shots and even the easy ones that they took.
In addition, Pogoy continued to drain threes, helping FEU enter halftime with a 33-28 lead.
Jett Manuel was rejuvenated after the half as he quickly poured four points to cut the lead of FEU to just one. UP was even able to take back the lead at one point.
But Francis Tamsi answered quickly with back-to-back threes to bring back the lead to FEU, 39-35.
But Francis Tamsi answered quickly with back-to-back threes to bring back the lead to FEU, 39-35.
Diego Dario scored five quick points, but it was not still enough as they trailed FEU at the end of third, 43-40.
FEU started to show their horns by opening the fourth quarter with a scintillating 13-4 run led by King Tamaraw Mac Belo and capped off by a Tamsi trey.
UP was held scoreless for long stretches in the fourth until Paul Desiderio forced a turnover off Belo with under three minutes left and successfully converted on a basket to cut the lead to 11.
That proved to be their last stand as FEU held on.
Pogoy led the charge for FEU, pouring in 17 points. Also of note is Mac Belo's fourth quarter explosion, scoring nine in that quarter alone, after being held to just three points in the earlier three quarters for a total of 12 points.
Diego Dario led the Fighting Maroons with a career-high 16 points. Jett Manuel chipped in 11 markers as well.
FEU is now on top of the standings as they improved their record 8-1 and are still unbeaten in the second round while UP remained on the sixth spot in the standings with a 3-6 win-loss record.
Box Scores:
FEU (68) — Pogoy 17, Belo 12, Tolomia 11, Tamsi 9, Arong 8, Ru. Escoto 5, Jose 4, Orizu 2, Inigo 0, Dennison 0, Trinidad 0, Comboy 0, Ri. Escoto 0, Ebona 0, K. Holmqvist 0.
UP (57) — Dario 16, Manuel 11, Desiderio 8, Asilum 6, Kone 4, Amar 3, Juruena 3, Harris 2, Moralde 2, Gallarza 2, Longa 0, Lim 0, Jaboneta 0, Vito 0.
Quarterscores: 17-19, 33-28, 43-40, 68-57.
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