FEU squeaks past UST

Starring 6-foot-6 Cameroon import Karim Abdul, University of Sto. Tomas dominated the first 30 minutes of play, and appeared headed for a win over Far Eastern University.

But a thrilling fourth-quarter performance – dubbed the “RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo Show” – proved enough for FEU to essay another epic comeback Saturday night.

Sticking to his dogged scorer’s mentality, Romeo provided the spark before Garcia completed the uprising with a game-clinching lay-up as the Tamaraws pulled off a 73-72 come-from-behind win over the stunned Growling Tigers that underscored their readiness anew in the UAAP Season 75 men’s basketball championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

A former league MVP, Garcia finished with 21 points, eight coming in the fourth, while Romeo fired nine of his 13 markers in the payoff period, enough to help the Tamaraws buck a strong showing from Abdul and join host National University in the early lead.

“Sabi ko sa kanila ‘Two points, two points lang’,” stated FEU coach Bert Flores, who is raring to steer the Morayta-based squad to another title after ending up bridesmaid to Ateneo the past two seasons. “Kailangan rin naming dumepensa. Buti na lang sa last two plays, lumabas ang depensa namin.”

Garcia, who went a perfect four-of-four from beyond the arc on top of seven assists and five rebounds, echoed his coach’s observation, saying: “Depensa rin nagpanalo kaya na-stop rin namin si Abdul.”

Using his size and heft to the hilt, Abdul toyed his FEU counterparts in the early goings to finish with 24 points, on top of his game-high 14 boards, eight off the offensive end. But he only had three in the final period, as the Tigers blew a 13-point lead.

“Malakas talaga yung Abdul,” noted Flores, who led the team to its last crown in 2005. “Wala kaming panapat.”

Still, Abdul’s prowess proved not enough to weather a raging fourth-quarter charge by the Tamaraws.
After trailing by as many as 46-59 late in the third and 50-60 into the fourth, the Tamaraws put their collective faith in the hands of Romeo, who dazzled his way against the UST defense and uncorked seven straight points that pull FEU to within 57-60.

An undergoal stab by Mariano followed by Abdul’s inside incursion restored order on UST at 64-57 before Garcia made his presence felt.

With Romeo cooling his heels on the bench, Garcia presided over FEU’s offense, drilling in two straight triples that, together with Mike Tolomia’s daring lay-up, put the Tamaraws on top 65-64 with a little over four minutes left.

After Hargove completed an alley-oop play with Garcia, Jeric Teng scored a jumper off the glass and, with too much space in the left corner, banged in a trey for a 72-69 lead with 1:04 remaining.

Off a timeout, Romeo tried hard to save the day for FEU but forced a well-contested shot. Fortunately, Arvie Bringas cleaned up his mess as Kevin Ferrer was called for a basket interference with 31.6 ticks left.

Pitted against Romeo, diminutive Jeric Fortuna turned the ball over to Mike Tolomia, who threw a pass to a speeding Garcia, who went unmolested for the game-clinching lay-up.

With no more timeouts, the Tigers hurriedly pushed the leather and Aljon Mariano was left to release a shot that bounced off the rim as time expired, leaving the FEU fans deliriously cheering from the stands.

American import Anthony Hargrove, who was tasked to shadow Adbul all game long, anchored FEU’s frontline with 14 points and as many boards.

Teng backstopped Abdul with four treys to finish with 18 points while Mariano, making his return after recovering from an injury, added 10 markers and six boards for the Tigers, who appeared headed to victory only to lose steam in the face of the Tamaraws’ fightback.

Fortuna, tg he comebackinClark Bautista and Ferrer were limited to a combined 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists, a far cry from what coach Pido Jarencio expected from them.
 
 
The scores:
 
FEU 73 – Garcia 21, Hargrove 14, Romeo 13, Tolomia 8, Pogoy 6, A.Bringas 4, Mendoza 3, Cruz 2, M. Bringas 2, Belo 0, Escoto 0.
 
UST 72 – Abdul 24, Teng 18, Mariano 10, Bautista 7, Fortuna 6, Afuang 5, Ferrer 2, Vigil 0, Pe 0, Lo 0, Daquioag 0.
 
Quarterscores: 18-21, 31-37, 50-60, 73-72.