Vyn Radovan | FCF
It was a valiant effort on both ends, but only one had to come out on top.
Despite losing their 13 point lead late in the fourth period, then trail by seven points in the final 23 seconds of the first extra session, Far Eastern University finally sealed a hard-earned victory over University of the East in double overtime, 98-94.
Without RR Garcia in the lineup due to an automatic one-game suspension meted by the league, Terrence Romeo carried the Tamaraws on his shoulders and finished with a season-high output of 30 points, together with seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Gryann Mendoza added 15 points with 13 rebounds.
“My players didn’t give up,” said FEU head coach Nash Racela following the game. “We were down seven points with seconds left (in the first overtime)…I told them that anything is possible. Nothing is impossible.”
“I’m so proud of them. I think this is the first time I’m saying this. I’m so, so proud of my players,” added Racela.
Prior to losing their lead, FEU held an 18 point advantage through the first half, but slowly lost the advantage due to a gritty effort by the Red Warriors.
Roi Sumang, who scored 12 of his 25 points during the completion of their comeback run in the fourth period, willed his way to pull the Azcarraga cagers from the grave to force an extra session.
In the first extension, Ralf Olivares took over and buried clutch jumpers to aid UE’s pullaway with less than half a minute left. But the league-leading Tamaraws willed their way back, putting up an 8-1 spurt in the final 17 seconds capped by Mike Tolomia’s crucial trey with two seconds left to complete the improbable comeback.
However, the red and white already lost steam in the second extension and missed wide open shots to hand over the win to their U-Belt counterpart.
Olivares tallied 21 points, while Charles Mammie scored 17 and collected 27 caroms with two blocks in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University continues their renaissance this season, thwarting Adamson University by a count of 79-66 in the day’s first game.
Ryan Buenafe led the charge with 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Kiefer Ravena shot 6-for-10 from the field en route to an 18 point output.
“I told the guys that it’s not just about winning,” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol. “Winning the game would not amount to anything if not for the fact that we have to win the next game.”
Ingrid Sewa led the way for Adamson with 17 points and six rebounds. Jansen Rios, Jericho Cruz, and Rodney Brondial added 14 apiece.
Ateneo (5-4) now moves above .500 for the first time this season and extends their winning run to four, while Adamson (3-7) plunges deeper in the standings with a five-game losing skid.
