MANILA – Far Eastern University came up with a huge finishing run as it rolled past De La Salle University 68-61 in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Trailing 55-56 with over two minutes left, the Tamaraws unloaded a 7-0 scoring run on a triple by Arvin Tolentino and 2 pointers from Jasper Parker and Hubert Cani for a 62-56 advantage.
The Green Archers cut the deficit to 4 on baskets by Aljun Melecio but six free throw conversions by Alejandrino Iñigo and two from Wendelino Comboy sealed the win for FEU.
Tolentino led the Tamaraws with 13 points while Kenneth Tuffin and Iñigo had 11 and 10 points, respectively. Leonard Santillan finished with 19 points for the Green Archers.
Season 81 host National University Bulldogs also had a winning start on Saturday evening after subduing the rookie-laden University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers 75-70.
Holding to a 33-28 halftime lead, the Bulldogs went on a strong surge in the third period behind brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso to build a lead as high as 17 markers heading into the fourth.
But the Tigers mounted a huge fight back in the fourth quarter behind rookie Crispin John Cansino to come to as close as 68-72 – and then the Bulldogs’ John Lloyd Clemente came up with a basket to seal the win.
Dave made his UAAP seniors debut with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while older brother Shaun contributed double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs./PN
