by Daniel Braza
The UP Fighting Maroons men’s basketball team put up quite a fight before the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws eventually prevailed, 58-75, September 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws took an early lead by claiming the first quarter. They took off on a 7-0 run to break a 6-6 deadlock, coming from center Prince Orizu and Russel Escoto’s consistent trips to the free throw line, hitting 5 charities in total. UP’s Paul Desiderio broke the run, ending the quarter at 8-13, FEU lead.
UP lighted up in the latter half of the second quarter, almost ending it with a four-point lead, 29-25. Mike Tolomia, however, hit a trey in crunch time to cut the lead to one, 29-28.
Prince Orizu opened up the third canto for FEU scoring four points in the first two minutes. Meanwhile, Lim and Desiderio showed off UP’s perimeter power each making a three-pointer for the Maroons. Subsequent scoring runs by FEU, however, made them regain the lead this time, outscoring UP with a 45-51 score.
FEU continued its runs in the final canto, gradually building its lead. The Maroons kept fighting as Diego Dario put up eight of his 10 points in the fourth and Manuel hit an early trey. Defensively, the Maroons were unable to stop FEU’s baskets with three scoring runs. The Tamaraws seized the game, 58-75.
Jett Manuel led the Maroons with 16 points and 42% shooting, along with Diego Dario who put up 10 points, four of which he scored in the last minutes of the ball game.
Tolomia and Raymar Jose both led the scoreboard for FEU with 11 points apiece and accumulated 13 boards. FEU star Mark Belo struggled with only five points and 33% shooting.
Both teams were playing tough defense, with FEU controlling the boards, out rebounding UP 52-35, and UP creating 23 turnovers for FEU. Even if UP was able to capitalize much on these turnovers, scoring 21 points off turnovers, FEU’s tough perimeter defense held them to only 25% jump shooting and 26% three-point field goal.
FEU also held skipper JR Gallarza and shooting big man Christoper Vito scoreless, shearing a bulk out of UP’s overall offensive repertoire.
UP has fallen down sixth place in the league’s standings with a 2-2 win-loss card.
The Maroons will try to break their losing streak against Season 77 champions National University (NU) Bulldogs (1-3) on Saturday, September 26, 2 PM, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
SCORES:
UP (58) – Manuel 16, Dario 10, Desderio 9, Lim 8, Juruena 3, Harris 3, Longa 3, Kone 2, Moralde 2, Asilum 2.
FEU (75) – Tolomia 11, Jose 11, Inigo 10, Pogoy 10, Orizu 8, Arong 7, Escoto 5, Belo 5, Tamsi 5, Escoto 2, Comboy 1.
QUARTERSCORES: 8-13, 29-28, 45-51, 58-75.