FEU crushes UV anew to rule Bayugan caging

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning UAAP champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws revalidated their mastery over the University of the Visayas Green Lancers, 88-63, in their lopsided final match to clinch the championship of the cash-rich Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis 1st Bayugan Inter-Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament last night at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Unlike in their previous meeting where they had to toil hard in the final half before cruising to a 72-63 victory, the Tamaraws of coach Nash Racela were dominant from the start this time, never looking back after coming up with a 47-37 advantage at the bend.

The Tamaraws did not let their guards down and became even hotter as the game progressed on the way to establish an imposing 72-52 lead midway in the final quarter that sent the Lancers wobbling the rest of the way.

The Tamaraws got P200,000 in cold cash for their efforts, while the Lancers took home P150,000.

As if an added consolation, UV coach Gary Cortes pocketed P30,000 for winning the 3-point shootout held during halftime break.

Earlier, Ricky Dyn Peromingan nailed what is by far the biggest shot of his life as the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars pulled off an 82-80 shocker over the San Beda Red Lions Team B, 82-80, to settle for third place honors.

RJ Dinolan exploded for 24 points and Kevin Villafranca added 14 for the Jaguars, who executed a Houdini-like escape at the endgame spotlighted by Peromingan's heroics on the way to collect the P100,000 prize.

Peromingan finished with only 10 points but came out as the man of the hour for the Jaguars with his game-clinching triple in the dying seconds of the contest.

The Jaguars trailed for most the way and were even down by 14 points after three quarters, 67-53, but staged a courageous fightback in the windup to turn the tables on their elimination round tormentors.

With the score stood at 79-all with less than a minute to play, Jaguars coach Jun Noel called for a timeout, then plotted a beautiful game play that set up the stage for Peromingan's heroics.

The Jaguars had other reason to celebrate as their star forward Miguel Gastador pocketed P10,000 for winning the Slam Dunk contest. (FREEMAN)