Tams tame Bulldogs, keep Final Four hopes alive

The FEU Tamaraws are still in the running for a Final Four slot after winning over the NU Bulldogs, 79-74, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Morayta-based squad had a comfortable 13-point lead with 5:13 left in the game, but the Bulldogs had a 7-0 run to cut their deficit to six with less than a minute left, 78-72. However, it was not enough as time was on the side of the Tamaraws. 

JUST IN: FEU Tamaraws tame NU Bulldogs, 79-74. #UAAPSeason81

(Photo: Zeke Alonzo) pic.twitter.com/m1kYl0HuT2

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 11, 2018

NU tried to steal the game from FEU with a 21-point explosion from rookie John Lloyd Clemente during the third period. The Bulldogs also limited FEU to 10 points during the final period.

However, the Tamaraws' domination in the second quarter, 25 points against NU's 10 markers, was enough to give FEU a steady lead throughout the game.

Arvin Tolentino topped the Tamaraws in scoring with 16 points, all made in the first half. Kenneth Tuffin chipped in 15.

Clemente led the Bulldogs with 38 points, the highest score an NU player recorded since computerized stats were used in 2003. This is also the highest score made by a single player this season.

Dave Ildefonso registered 12 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, FEU now shares the fourth spot with the UP Fighting Maroons at 7-6.

The Tamaraws will close the elimination round of the season when they play Adamson on Sunday, while NU will try to end their campaign with a win against UE next week.

SCORES:

FEU (79): Tolentino - 16, Tuffin - 15, Gonzales - 9, Stockton - 7, Iñigo - 6, Orizu - 6, Parker - 6, Bienes - 5, Ebona - 4, Comboy - 3, Bayquin - 2, Cani - 0, Escoto - 0.

NU (74): Clemente - 38, Ildefonso D- 12, Diputado - 4, Yu - 4, Aquino - 2, Galinato - 2, Gallego - 2, Gaye - 2, Rike -2, Salim - 2, Tibayan - 2, Ildefonso S - 1, Malonzo - 1, Joson - 0, Sinclair - 0.

—KG, GMA News