THE defending champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws bucked a sluggish performance yesterday to come from behind and beat the University of the East Red Warriors, 64-61, and snap their losing streak in the windup of the eliminations round of Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Riding on the stepped-up play of guards Wendell Comboy and Axel Iñigo down the stretch, the Tamaraws completed a turnaround in a game that saw them trail for much of the contest. The win halted FEU’s slide to three games while also keeping its slim top two hopes alive.
FEU trailed early in the match, surrendering a 20-11 advantage to UE at the end of the first quarter before getting its bearing in the second canto to outscore its opponent, 23-14, to knot the game at 34-all by half time.
Just like in the first quarter, the Tamaraws fell into a slumber in the third period, allowing the Warriors to create some distance to hold a 53-44 cushion at the end of the quarter.
The two teams engaged in a battle in the payoff period but FEU had something extra as the match wore on with its backcourt taking control late.
Comboy scored four points inside the last two minutes to tie the game at 59-all. Big man Prince Orizu then added a free throw to pull the Tamaraws to a one-point advantage, 60-59.
Iñigo then hit a big three-pointer with 25 seconds left to give his team a 63-59 lead. Comboy added another point from the charity line to put the game out of reach of the Warriors.
Iñigo led FEU with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Raymar Jose finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Richard Escoto had 11 markers while Comboy ended up with 10 points.
“Regardless of the outcome of the game, important for us is to show consistency and a winning mind-set heading into the Final Four. The three straight losses were tough but they are an opportunity for us to grow as a group,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.
FEU (9-5) was awaiting the outcome of the second game yesterday between Ateneo University (9-4) and Adamson University (8-5) to know its Final Four position.
The loss pushed UE, which played its final game of the season, back to the bottom of the standings with a 3-11 record, joining season host University of Santo Tomas.
The Warriors were led by graduating player Paul Varilla with 13 points.
