FEU repeats over NU, claims jr crown

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern-Diliman cranked it up in the payoff period to clinch the UAAP Season 79 juniors’ basketball title via an 81-73 victory over National U in yesterday’s Game Two at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

LJ Gonzales poured 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter to spark a lethal 17-4 salvo that swayed the momentum to the Baby Tams’ side and eventually lifted them to their first crown in four years. 

“We got lucky at endgame; the boys’ game came out when it mattered most,” said FEU coach Allan Albano, whose wards trailed by as many as 13 points in the early going.

Kenji Roman fired 18 points for the Baby Tams, capping his heroics with clutch charities that secured the victory at 77-71 in the final minute. He also grabbed 15 rebounds while RJ Abarrientos added 13 markers.

Gonzales, who also had a key role in FEU’s 66-65 win in Game One, played limited minutes after committing three early fouls. But he made the most out of his time on the floor, especially in the final canto to help the squad secure the crown and dethrone NU.

“Good thing he was able to bounce back after getting into foul trouble,” said Albano of Gonzales, who also had six assists and three rebounds and was adjudged Finals MVP.

John Lloyd Clemente paced the Bullpups with 26.

Meanwhile, UPIS’ Juan Gomez de Liano was feted as the top individual performer of the season. The first from UP to take the MVP plum since Junior Maroon Joseph Marata in 2007, Gomez de Liano averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists to beat Ateneo’s SJ Belangel for top honors.

The two were joined by Clemente, Dave Ildefonso of Ateneo, and Inand Fornillos of Santo Tomas in the Mythical 5. Ateneo’s Kai Sotto won the Rookie of the Year plum.

The scores:

FEU-Diliman 81 – Roman 18, Abarrientos 13, Gonzales 12, Gabane 10, Gloria 9, Jabel 5, Celzo 5, Torres 3, Sapinit 2, Baclay 2, Alforque Roy 2, Sevilla 0, Bieren 0, Alforque Ram 0

NU 73 – Clemente 26, Penano 10, Amsali 7, Manalang 7, Tolentino 6, Sarip 5, Malonzo 4, Coyoca 3, Callejo 3, Atienza 2, Fortea 0, Dela Cruz 0

Quarterscores: 15-26, 30-34, 51-50, 81-73.