Tamaraws dethrone UST to enter PCCL semis

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University barged into the semifinals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League after dispatching reigning champs University of Santo Tomas, 71-68 on Tuesday, December 3 at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

FEU outplayed the Growling Tigers early before surviving a late run in the final game of the Luzon-Metro Manila qualifiers to book the last ticket to the PCCL semifinals.

The Tamaraws limited UST to just 3 points in the opening quarter; they stretched their lead to a high of 18 in the first half as the undermanned UST side shot an anemic 23% from the field in the first 20 minutes of the game.

UST’s woes continued as FEU opened the third period with an 10-0 run to stretch their lead to its 45-24.

However, the Growling Tigers refused to die and showed the heart of a champion in the final quarter.

Using a swarming fullcourt trap, the Espana crew stormed back with a blazing 21-3 run behind Karim Abdul and Clark Bautista to pull within 59-60 with just 5 minutes to go.

A breakaway layup by Achie Inigo and putback by Mac Belo gave FEU some breathing room before baskets by Abdul and Jamil Sheriff enabled UST to take the lead for the first time at 67-65.

Belo tied the game anew with two free throws off an unsportsmanlike foul on Ferrer. Carl Bryan Cruz scored in transition to give the Tamaraws a 69-67 lead with just 49 ticks to go.

Abdul scored a split before Mike Tolomia burned as much time In the next possession. Inigo missed a corner trey but got the offensive board as UST fouled Gryann Mendoza with 6 seconds left.

Mendoza muffed both charities but UST failed to secure another rebound which resulted into two free throws for Belo for a 71-68 edge.

With just 4.6 seconds remaining in the game, Kevin Ferrer tried to tie the game with a desperation three but it went off as FEU survived UST’s late game rally.

Mac Belo led Coach Nash Racela’s troops with 19 points and 5 boards while Mike Tolomia added 9 points.

The Morayta 5, which won back to back PCCL titles from 2004 to 2005, will join Southwestern University, De La Salle University, and San Beda College in the semis which starts on Monday, December 9 at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Earlier, Tiong Lian Basketball Association champions Hope Christian High School edged the National University Bullpups, 64-56 in an exhibition match. – with reports from Levi Verora/Rappler.com