Tamaraws n!p UE; NU wins at last
Updated 11:57pm (Mla time) Aug 21, 2004
By Jasmine Payo
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A30 of the August 22, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE FAR Eastern University Tamaraws survived a final-second scare before nipping the University of the East Warriors, 64-62,Saturday in the 67th UAAP senior basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Denok Miranda fired 18 points, including a jumper that lifted the Tamaraws to a 63-62 lead with only 25 ticks remaining.
UE still had a chance to steal the ballgame after Arwind Santos was slapped a foul in the last five seconds. But the normally cool KG Canaleta flubbed both his free throws.
"Isn't it amazing? You saw that the hand of God was there. Canaleta is between 70 to 80 percent in free throws," said FEU coach Koy Banal.
The Tams improved to an 8-2 slate, just half a game away from the top-seeded Ateneo.
The National University Bulldogs finally ended their misery, routing the University of Sto. Tomas, 82-63, for their first win in 10 games.
UE slipped to fourth place at 5-5, while UST dropped to sixth with a 4-6 card.
After the Tamaraws set the tempo in the first half, the Warriors forged a 16-4 rally in the third quarter for a 48-40 lead. But the tested trio of Miranda, Santos and RJ Rizada took over and tied the count, 50-50.
Dave Catamora sparked NU's second-quarter attack for a 38-27 halftime advantage. UST, however, responded with a 7-0 run in the third period that narrowed the margin, 38-34.
But the Bulldogs soon recovered their dominating form and eventually extended the lead to 20 points, 72-52, midway in the fourth quarter. UST seemed helpless without skipper Christian Luanzon, who was suspended one game for two unsportsmanlike fouls in his past games.
NU's first victory notably came even as main man Rey Mendoza rode the bench the entire game.
"I'm giving the others who are playing well a chance," said NU coach Rico Perez. Mendoza averaged a measly 3.3 points in his last four matches.
The Tiger Cubs thwarted the Bullpups, 65-52, for their ninth straight win in junior games.
The scores:
Second game (Srs)
NU 82-D. Catamora 14, Miclat 11, Estolano 11, Fernandez 9, Asoro 8, Malagueno 7, King 7, Balijon 6, Malcontento 3, C. Catamora 3, Moradas 2, Mollena 1, Garcia 0.
UST 63-Vizcarra 19, Pribhdas 13, Evangelista 6, Espiritu 5, De Guzman 5, Dizon 4, Allera 4, Sumalinog 3, Cortes 2, Manching 1, Duncil 1, Tong 0, Cuan 0.
Quarters: 18-12, 38-27, 54-45, 82-63.
Third game (Srs)
FEU 64-Miranda 18, Santos 12, Rizada 7, Chan 7, Yabut 6, Isip 4, Dela Cruz 3, Cutler 3, Mangahas 2, Garcia 2, Santiago 0, Flores 0, Barcellano 0.
UE 62-Hubalde 19, Canaleta 13, Masbang 10, Dizon 6, Labagala 6, Arellano 5, Saguindel 3, Napo 0, Palaganas 0.
Quarters: 18-14, 36-32, 52-53, 64-62.