UAAP: FEU snaps Adamson win streak in OT thriller

Far Eastern University bounced back at the expense of streaking Adamson University, pulling off a 73-70 overtime victory in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The FEU win came after losing to the University of the Philippines last October 26.

The Tamaraws held a 49-42 lead at the end of the third period before the Soaring Falcons mounted a rally in the final frame to force overtime.

Down 64-59 with 2:31 remaining, the Falcons made a late run as Ray Allen Torres drilled a triple to trim the deficit. Cedrick Manzano’s basket with 10 seconds left knotted the game at 64-all, while Niel Owens missed a potential game-winner in regulation.

Both teams traded baskets early in the extra period, with Kirby Mongcopa, Janrey Pasaol, and Mo Konateh stepping up for FEU, and Monty Montebon, Ray Allen Torres, and Matt Erolon leading the charge for Adamson.

With the score tied at 70 and around two minutes to go, Pasaol sank two free throws off an OJ Ojarikre foul to give FEU the lead. Montebon then missed a three-point attempt, and Mongcopa was fouled by Manzano on the rebound. Mongcopa split his free throws to extend FEU’s lead to three, 73-70. Despite missing his next two free throws following another Manzano foul, the Tamaraws held on as Montebon misfired on his final shot from deep.

Bautista finished with 12 points, while Mongcopa powered the Tamaraws with 17 rebounds, 11 points, and four assists. Rojan Montemayor and Pasaol added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Torres led the Soaring Falcons with 24 points, including four triples, while Manzano posted 19 points and 12 rebounds.

With the win, FEU improved to 4-6, while Adamson slipped to 5-5.

Scores:

FEU 73 – Bautista 12, Mongcopa 11, Montemayor 11, Pasaol 10, Konateh 7, Felipe 6, Ona 6, Daa 4, Owens 3, Nakai 3, Jones 0, Macapagal 0, Bagunu 0.

Adamson 70 – Torres 24, Manzano 19, Medina 8, Erolon 8, Montebon 7, Perez 2, Ojarikre 2, A. Ronzone 0, Anabo 0, Barcelona 0, Tumaneng 0, C. Ronzone 0, Demisana 0, Fransman 0, Jaymalin 0.

Quarters: 13-11, 31-24, 49-42, 64-64, 73-70.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News