Tams storm past Maroons

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U leaned on Raymar Jose and its defense as it overhauled a 20-point first quarter deficit and turned back State U, 63-60, yesterday to step closer to the Final Four in the 79th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Jose exploded with a game-high 20 points while the Tams put the shackles on the Maroons in the last three quarters in turning an 8-28 deficit  after the opening period into their seventh straight win and eighth overall in 11 outings to clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four.

One more victory and FEU will join La Salle, undefeated on top with a 10-0 (win-loss) record, in the playoff round.

It was one strong defensive effort by the Morayta-based dribblers as they lived up to their reputation as the league’s best defensive team.

“The key was our defense, which came a full quarter late,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.

FEU’s triumph came after reports came out that Racela has been appointed as new coach of Talk N’ Text in the PBA.

Racela refused to comment on the report saying he is focused on helping the Tams get back to the finals after winning it all a season ago.

“I’m just focused on this UAAP season,” he said.

FEU athletic director Mark Molina also assured Racela will see the Tams through the rest of the campaign.

“He (Racela) will finish the season,” said Molina.

The win completed FEU’s season sweep of UP after the former edged the latter, 51-49, in their first round meeting on Sept. 25.

But it appeared early that the Maroons are on course on avenging that stinging defeat as they raced to a mighty 28-8 lead after shooting an impressive 11 of 18 from the field at the end of the first quarter.

It turned out UP’s last hurrah as FEU began employing the stinging defense it was known for and forced the former to miss 34 of the 45 shots they took the rest of the way.

In the second game, Adamson downed University of the East, 79-71, to remain at fourth spot with a 5-5 card.

The Warriors fell to 2-8.