THERE is nothing that could stop the defending UAAP Men’s basketball champions, Far Eastern University (FEU), from winning another game in hopes of getting closer to the championship title once again.
Not even ‘questionable calls’ by the referees that almost got them defeated by the University of the Philippines (UP). With their drive to win, FEU was able to outsmart the defenses of UP and won, 51-49 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
From FEU’s Ken Holmqvist consecutive shots that led to their biggest lead, 32-19 in the third period, the Fighting Maroons recovered fast and scored after FEU, closing the score to 44-45 in the fourth.
Three minutes left, Ron Dennison just scored two for FEU, having a three-point advantage against UP, 47-44.
Crucial as the game was, the referees called an unsportsmanlike foul to Dennison that led him out of the playing court.
The FEU crowd then cried an outrage over the referees, as the call for foul seemed unnecessary. But the game continued, with Dennison out of it.
“I think that is something that they have to review. Dalawang beses ‘yung tinawag niya kay Dennison. I mean if they call that touch foul kay Dennison tapos ‘yung mga big men ina-allow nila. I really think those are questionable calls today. It’s up to the commissioner’s office to review that,” said FEU Coach Nash Racela.
Despite Dennison kicked out from the game, the Tamaraws was able to bounce back. Monbert Arong then scored two consecutive inside shots and one Allen Trinidad’s free throw shot that capped off the game.
“‘Di kami nag-give up until the end. ‘Yung pinakaimportante na part is ‘yung nag-communicate kami sa last quarter,” said Arong.
Arong led the Tamaraws with 14 points and four rebounds. Trinidad and Holmqvist added seven points each, while Raymar Jose finished off with six points and eight rebounds.
Paul Desiderio put up a good game with 15 points with Dave Moralde, who added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
“We’re really struggling. Learning the ropes at this point, but I think ‘yung struggle namin today was brought about by their coach,” said Racela, as he pointed out that he focused on their defense rather than their offense.
FEU now tied with Ateneo, Adamson and NU with a 3-2 win-loss record, trailing behind DLSU. While UP gained another loss, 1-4.
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