The FEU Tamaraws nipped the ADMU Blue Eagles by two to face DLSU Green Archers in the F4.
By: Geoff Latayan
Ryan Roose Garcia was plagued with four personal fouls, which caused him to play limited minutes.
He only had five points before he took the risk and launched a three.
He made it, giving the Tamaraws a 73-72 point lead.
His trifecta was the biggest highlight of FEU’s 74-72 win over the ADMU Blue Eagles giving them top spot for the Final Four.
The match, which had the makings of a championship game, was a nip and tuck affair as both teams only led by as much as six points as both teams traded baskets and physical plays at each other.
But it was FEU’s 8-0 final burst bludgeoned the Blue Eagles to submission thus, finishing their elimination campaign atop the standings at 12-2.
Rookie Terrence Romeo and veteran Aldrech Ramos made up for Garcia’s limited game as they scored 15 points each. Both were also keys to the three minute desperation blitz of the Tamaraws.
Down by six, 66-72, Ramos connected on a twinner to cut the lead to four, 68-72 while Romeo, who also had 10 rebounds, made a jump shot to cut the lead to two and assisted the go-ahead three to Garcia.
Cervantes, who finished with 14 markers, split his charities for the final score.
The Blue Eagles had a chance to tie the game but Emman Monfort muffed a crucial twinner, giving the Tamaraws the victory.
It was the first time that FEU coach Glenn Capacio won his last game in the double-round eliminations.
Ateneo, who finished with a 10-4 card to end up second in the standings, was led by Ryan Buenafe’s 14 points. Nico Salva had 13, Eric Salamat, who shot the last points of the Blue Eagles, had 12.
FEU’s win also spoiled Ateneo Coach Norman Black’s milestone of coaching his 100th game for the Blue Eagles.
Five Keys:
- Rookie shines. Terrence Romeo proved that he is the top rookie for this season. His crucial threes and an assist to Garcia in the dying seconds of the game were of great help for the Tamaraws in winning this game. Amazing numbers of 15 points and 10 rebounds softened the ineffectivity of Garcia, who was riddled with fouls all game long. Seems like we are now looking at a dreaded guard combo for the Tamaraws as Garcia and Romeo will have three seasons more of playing together.
- Eight unanswered blows. For the second time this season, Ateneo collapsed in the final minutes. As for the latest collapse, Ateneo gave eight unanswered points to help FEU crawl to victory. All they need was a three point victory but they lost ground because of carelessness and some non-calls.
- Big Time sniping. The Tamaraws shot 8 of 11 from the three point region. Terrence Romeo had three, Paul Sanga had three and RR Garcia had two.
- Classic match. This match is one for the ages. Despite the fact that both teams have twice to beat advantages already, both teams played their A-game. As testaments to the close encounter, no team led higher than six points and it was decided by a last second defensive gem by the Tamaraws to avoid an extension.
- Blue and green finale. The just concluded game gave us the match ups for the final four. It will be FEU versus DLSU and Ateneo meeting Adamson. One thing is for sure here, it will be a green and blue final.
