by Ruf Serafin

University of the East handed Far Eastern University-Diliman its first loss of the season, pulling away in the second half for an 83-65 victory on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Baby Tams entered the contest unbeaten in their first three games and had a chance to forge a tie with National University atop the standings. Instead, FEU-D slipped to 3-1, now tied with the Junior Red Warriors for second place.

Kurt Mercado paced UE with 17 points, including 11 in the second half, alongside five rebounds and two assists. Mark Redulfa and Xerone Dizon chipped in 10 points apiece.

The Junior Red Warriors held a slim 43-39 advantage at halftime before breaking the game open in the third quarter, outscoring FEU-D, 26-15, to take a 69-54 lead into the final frame.

The Baby Tamaraws mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to 12, 77-65, after Bernard Alsola converted a fastbreak layup with 2:45 remaining. Dizon quickly answered with a layup, however, before UE restored a 15-point cushion to put the game away.

UE will aim to claim solo second on the standings as they clash with Ateneo Saturday, September 26 at the DLSZ Sports Pavillion

(Photo from UAAP Media)