Tamaraws halt Maroons streak with 71-68 squeaker

MANILA, Philippines -- With a Final Four spot still up for grabs, Far Eastern University just made a massive statement for their claim. 

The Tamaraws survived University of the Philippines, 71-68, to snap the latter's seven-game win streak in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

FEU thus rose to a solo third place with a 7-5 win-loss record, now half a game ahead of 6-5 La Salle, while UP dropped to a 9-3 slate, tied with National University. 

UP led by two, 61-59, with 6:37 remaining in the game following a layup by Gani Stevens. 

But a personal 6-0 run by Janrey Pasaol pushed the Tamaraws ahead, 65-61, with 3:30 left. 

After a split from the line by Dikachi Ududo broke the run, freebies by Elias Gish gave FEU a 67-62 cushion.

Ududo’s free throws, followed by a long two by Veejay Pre, pulled the Fighting Maroons to just one, 66-67, with a minute to go. 

On the other end, Jorick Bautista danced with Pre. He then pulled up from deep and hit the go-ahead triple, 70-66, with 40.6 seconds to go. 

The dagger trey was followed by a steal by Cabs Cabonilas on the inbound, but FEU could not capitalize. 

UP pulled to within two, 68-70, after Pre free throws. But after FEU’s Kirby Mongcopa missed both free throws on the other end, Pre was fouled anew. 

But after hitting his head on the court, Chicco Briones was the one who shot his freebies. Unfortunately, he missed both, and a split from the line by Marc Burgos iced the game for the Tamaraws. 

Reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Pasaol finished with 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal in the win. Bautista added 14 markers, while Mongcopa had 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. 

Burgos produced 11 markers and four boards off the bench.

Rey Remogat top-scored for UP with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Ududo chipped in 19 markers and 10 boards.