UAAP: FEU Tamaraws slip past Adamson Falcons

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws are back to doing what is expected of them. The Tamaraws, behind veterans Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia, beat second-seed Adamson, 62-61, Sunday snapping the Falcons’ four-game winning streak in the 74th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum. After three straight heartbreaking losses including two against three-time defending champion Ateneo, the Tamaraws are back in contention for the top two spots by winning their second straight game in defeating the Falcons. FEU, which upped its mark to 6-4, is now one game behind Adamson, which dropped to a 7-3 record. “We really learned from our loss to Ateneo," said FEU coach Bert Flores. “That loss really hurt us but we keep on learning from that loss. Ending our losing skid really gave us a big boost." Adamson coach Leo Austria said FEU came into the game well-prepared against them. “They knew the importance of this game. My players were surprised because FEU was really physical against us," said Austria. Ramos had a season-high 18 points along with 10 rebounds while Garcia finished with 14 points, seven in the final period, as he doused cold water on Adamson’s comeback attempt in the fourth. Garcia capped off an FEU mini-run with a triple when Adamson came from within seven points, 53-46. With Adamson in possession and trailing by four points, 60-56, Garcia stole Alex Nuyles’ pass and scored on a lay-up with 45.7 ticks left in the game. FEU had a shaky moment in the last few moments of the game. After Adamson’s Lester Alvarez made a triple, Terrence Romeo passed right into Nuyles that led to a lay-up with 9.3 seconds left in the game to cut FEU’s lead to one point. Adamson, however, could not foul an FEU player in time for another possession. Despite committing a turnover late in the game, Romeo had a season-high 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Nuyles was the lone double digit scorer for the Falcons with 17 points while adding 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Tamaraws led by as much as 15 points in the second period that gave them the gap they needed to take the win. --Reuben Terrado/OMG, GMA News The scores: FEU 62—Ramos 18, Romeo 14, Garcia 14, Tolomia 8, Escoto 4, Cruz 2, Exciminiano 2, Pogoy 0, Mendoza 0, Bringas 0, Knuttel 0. ADAMSON 61—Nuyles 17, Camson 9, Alvarez 9, Lozada 8, Canada 7, Brondial 6, Cabrera 4, Manyara 1, Petilos 0, Etrone 0, Colina 0. Quarters: 14-12, 30-24, 47-39, 62-61.