IT has been full of bad days for the Far Eastern University as they lost three consecutive games in the UAAP Men’s basketball elimination round, but this time, they were able to put an end in that dry spell as they survived the University of the East, 64-61 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Warriors were leading in the game, when the Tamaraws was able to overturn UE’s nine-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Wendell Comboy spearheaded a 10-2 run for the Tamaraws. With the final three minutes in the game, Comboy boosted the Tamaraws to a rally and lead ahead of the Warriors even with just a point, 60-59.
Axel Inigo came out big for the Tamaraws in the crucial match, 25 seconds left on the clock and he hit a dagger triple, making a comfortable lead ahead the Warriors and sealed the important win for the defending champions.
However, despite winning over the Red Warriors, FEU’s hopes of a chance for the twice-to-beat advantage was put to waste as the Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the Adamson Soaring Falcons the same day. They could have had gained the advantage if Adamson won over Ateneo with at least 31 points.
FEU ended the tournament eliminations round with a 9-5 win-loss record, third seed in the Final Four. They will face Ateneo first in the Final Four round next week.
Inigo led FEU with game-high 16 points, 3-of-4 shots came from the three-point range and shot 6-of-7 from the field. Raymar Jose did not disappoint with a double-double 11 points and 12 rebounds. Richard Escoto added 11 points while Comboy had 10 points, five rebounds and two steals.
UE, despite leading by as much as 11 points, still lost the game and ended the season with a 3-11 record.
Paul Varilla led the Red Warriors with 13 points and five rebounds.
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