One more game. Ron Dennison salutes to the FEU faithful after the Tamaraws forced a winner-take-all Wednesday against Ateneo. Rick Johnsen Dela Cruz/Dugout Philippines |
QUEZON CITY -- UAAP season hosts and fourth-seed Far Eastern University lived to fight for another day, as they fend off number one Ateneo in their Final Four tiff Sunday evening at the Big Dome in an 80-67 beatdown.
The Tamaraws of coach Olsen Racela forced a knockout game on Wednesday at the MOA Arena after pulling away in the third period, after taking the Blue Eagles head on into the first twenty minutes of the game.
Senior guard Ron Dennison had extended his UAAP career to one more game, coming up just two boards short of a double-double while firing 17 points and dished out three assists for good measure.
Fellow graduating Tam Prince Orizu also lived to play another day once after posting a modest 10-point, five-rebound outing.
Thirdy Ravena pitched in 17 points and grabbed six rebounds for Ateneo who now lost back-to-back games for the first time since last year's Finals.
Its not a good start for the Tamaraws as the Blue Eagles, Tolentino and Ravena are raining threes at the first quarter. But a lay-up from Arvin Tolentino makes a good point for the Tamaraws and the missing threes from the boys of Blue Eagles that makes the lead for the Tamaraws. A slam from Orizu makes a highlight at the first quarter. And threes from Inigo that maintain the lead for the Tamaraws.
Cani does a three but the Blue Eagles, specifically Tyler Tio, Isaac Go and Mike Nieto that pitched in to make the score close heading into the break.
Asistio opened the third quarter with a three point basket but Dennison answers back with his three point as well. As Dennison's raining three at the third quarter and Eboña's basket that makes them gain their twelve point lead against the Blue Eagles.
Mi. Nieto opens the fourth quarter with a three point shot but that's not enough as Tolentino's steal converts into a point. Cani also has his point which is a buzzer beating three. Cani's pass to Dennison also a point and Asistio's missed basket converted by Mike Nieto into a basket as well.
The Scores
FEU 80 -- Dennison 17, Tolentino 13, Cani 11, Orizu 10, Escoto 9, Iñigo 8, Trinidad 5, Parker 4, Eboña 3, Bayquin 0, Comboy 0, Ramirez 0, Stockton 0, Tuffin 0
Ateneo 67 -- Ravena 17, Mike Nieto 13, Matt Nieto 11, Go 9, Tolentino 5, Mendoza 4, Asistio 3, Tio 3, Verano 2, Black 0, Ikeh 0, Mallillin 0, Mamuyac 0
Quarter scores: 21-15, 38-35, 59-48, 80-67
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