Fastbreak: Thrilling games open UAAP September

FEU Tamaraws (78) – (79) UST Growling Tigers

The best: Karim Abdul battled through pain in the final moments of the second overtime and he even converted the go-ahead three-point play! The Cameroonian center finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks, including one on Mac Belo’s three-point attempt with 7 seconds left, which sealed the win for UST.

The Worst: Terrence Romeo showed a semblance of an all-around game early as he didn’t force his shots and dished out several passes. However, Romeo fumbled in the most crucial moments, and threw away potential game winners in regulation and the first overtime. Those errors negated his 19-point, 7-rebound, and 6-assist statline.

Presenting UST’s iron men: Talk about the HEART of a Growling Tiger: the big three of Karim Abdul (42 minutes), Aljon Mariano (46 minutes), and Kevin Ferrer (45 minutes) endured the intensity and delivered for the Espana crew. Mariano sank the game-tying triple in regulation while Ferrer and Abdul hit the decisive baskets in extra time, as the trio conspired to keep UST’s Final Four hopes alive. 

DLSU Green Archers (66) – (64) ADMU Blue Eagles

The best: Though Jeron Teng hit the game-winner, it was Almond Vosotros who exploded with 19 points including 7 straight in a 9-0 blast by La Salle in the final quarter which gave them the lead. The former San Sebastian Staglet also pulled down 6 rebounds and drained three triples as the Green Archers improve to solo third with a 7-4 slate.

The worst: Kiefer Ravena was nowhere near his phenomenal form, throwing air balls and missing free throws all-game long. He ended up with just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, and wasted away 5 of his 8 foul shots. His scoreless third quarter also helped La Salle to come back and eventually win this one.

And the better newcomer is: DLSU’s Jason Perkins outplayed Chris Newsome tonight. He came up with 13 points and 15 rebounds and was responsible for keeping the game close with all those energy plays. Meanwhile, Newsome, who exploded for 27 in their first round meeting, was limited to just 8 points and 8 rebounds as the Blue Eagles slid down to 6-5 for a tie for 4th spot along with the UST Growling Tigers.

Leading Taft: Jeron Teng couldn’t find his range early in the match; in fact, he was sidelined for three fouls in the first half. But when coach Juno Sauler needed a go-to-guy in the final play, he didn’t hesitate to entrust the last possession (and the game) to his sophomore star. Teng patiently waited for the clock to melt down before hitting a short stab against Chris Newsome to complete La Salle’s turnaround. They swept Ateneo in the elimination round for the first time since 2005. – Rappler.com