Romeo, Garcia lift Tams past fight-less Maroons

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern U snapped the “fighting” out of the UP Maroons in a wire-to-wire 75-57 win Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament.

Terrence Romeo sizzled for 20 points and 12 rebounds while RR Garcia added 15 for the Tamaraws, who streaked to their third win in a row and sprinted back to the solo lead.

Romeo waxed hot early with seven in the opening quarter as FEU controlled the game from the get-go. The 11-point lead, 23-12, ballooned to 20 by halftime when the Tamaraws held the Maroons scoreless in the final 3:41 of the opening half.

The Maroons threatened to get close cutting the 12-point deficit by half, 21-27, on rookie Kyles Lao basket but the Tamaraws answered with a 14-0 windup that broke the game wide open.

UP threatened anew at the onset of the payoff period with nine unanswered points to get within a dozen, 50-62, but Romeo played the fireman’s role.

The combo guard strung up seven straight points to put the game under wraps.

Chris Tolomia added 10 points for the Tamaraws, who are enjoying early success with new head coach Nash Racela. 

Raul Soyud put up 10 points and 10 boards for the Maroons, who remained winless in three outings and lost their second in a row since starting point guard Mikee Reyes left the team after a falling out with UP coach Ricky Dandan.