4 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Javi Gomez de Liano was hot on his heels as he led University of the Philippines win against Far Eastern University, 61-55, on their debut game in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
“I’ve been really putting in the work, cause I know it’s my fourth year so I just want to step up and help the team,” the older GDL said during the post-game interview.
The fourth year forward finished with a game-high 22 points, 16 of which came from the first half of the game where he sparked a 38-27 advantage, along with six rebounds and three assists.
“There were a lot of times that Javi bailed us out,” UP head coach Bo Perasol said. “I don’t think I am happy with how we executed things but the way Javi scored against FEU was what bailed us out.”
Though they won the game, coach Perasol believed they could have done better as the Fighting Maroons blew a huge lead in the first half.
“I really think that we’ve been very emotional in terms of our offense. I’ve been telling them, a dunk is just two points, an alley-oop is just two points sometimes we get too carried away, we forget to think that if we really want to go all the way, we really have to be proud with our defense,” added coach Perasol.
FEU answered back with a 10-4 run in the third quarter to inch within three points, 41-44. The two teams traded baskets for a while until the Tamaraws tied the game at 55-all.
But last season’s runner-up got back on their feet. Reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie went in for a short hook for a slim 57-55 lead, 1:35 minutes left in the game. The Maroons cruised to victory from there as Jun Manzo put in the finishing touches to seal the deal.
Manzo added nine points, four rebounds, and two steals, while big man Akhuetie finished with seven markers and 11 boards. Meanwhile, much-anticipated Kobe Paras missed the game due to a sprain injury he sustained during training.
On the other hand, Brandrey Bienes topped FEU with nine points in the losing effort.
The Scores:
UP 61 –Ja. Gomez de Liano 22, Manzo 9, Akhuetie 7, Rivero 7, Murrell 6, Ju. Gomez de Liano 6, Webb 3, Prado 1, Mantilla 0, Tungcab 0, Spencer 0.
FEU 55 – Bienes 9, Gonzales 8, Tchuente 8, Comboy 8, Tuffin 6, Torres 6, Cani 5, Ebona 3, Celzo 2, Alforque 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 20-17, 38-27, 47-44, 61-55.
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