Tams survive Clemente, Bulldogs for share of 4th spot

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University spoiled the career game of National University rookie JL Clemente and survived the latter’s late-game rally to hold on for crucial 79-74 win in the 81st UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Clemente exploded for a season-high 38 points, 21 came in the third period, but was slowed down in the final period as the Tamaraws tied University of the Philippines for fourth spot with 7-6 win-loss mark.

“We’re still in the hunt. Wala pa sa Final Four. One more win, hopefully. Nakakuha na kami ng momentum and sana we can get one more,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.

“Except for Clemente’s explosion, these boys are really playing well in the past two games. They really followed the game plan,” he added.

Arvin Tolentino paced the Tamaraws with 16 points while Kenneth Tuffin added 15.

Tolentino’s 10-point output in the second period towed FEU to a 44-28 halftime lead.

The Tamaraws appeared on breaking the game wide open in the second half but Clemente’s 21-point explosion put the Bulldogs within striking distance and trailed by just eight, 61-69, entering the final quarter.

But Clemente was held down to just six and the Tamaraws came up with crucial stops in the end to stay in the race for the Final 4 spot.

Clemente’s 38 was the most by an NU player since Jeff Napa’s 43 in 2002 and third most since 2003 behind UE’s Alvin Pasaol (49) and La Salle’s Ben Mbala (39).