 |
Flashing razor-sharp form throughout, Far Eastern University made sure it finally achieved one of its Season 76 goals.
With prolific guard Terrence Romeo doing what he does best, the Tamaraws romped past the reeling Adamson Falcons, 92-80, to clinch their spot in the Final Four in the UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The hot-shooting Romeo waxed hot with a career-high of 32 points, 19 coming in a scintillating showing in the first half, while Mac Belo and former league MVP RR Garcia contributed at least 14 markers each as FEU snapped a two-game losing skid and returned to the Final Four after finishing fifth last season.
More than just repeating against an Adamson crew they previously beat 74-71 last July 28, the Tamaraws also improved to 9-4 overall, enough to tow pace-setting National University (9-3) into the semifinals.
Celedonio Trollano Jr. sizzled with a career-high 25 points but the Falcons simply ran out of steam in the second half and eventually dropped to their ninth loss against four wins.
The Main Man: After slumping in the last two games, Terrence Romeo finally rediscovered his old self.With prolific guard Terrence Romeo doing what he does best, the Tamaraws romped past the reeling Adamson Falcons, 92-80, to clinch their spot in the Final Four in the UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The hot-shooting Romeo waxed hot with a career-high of 32 points, 19 coming in a scintillating showing in the first half, while Mac Belo and former league MVP RR Garcia contributed at least 14 markers each as FEU snapped a two-game losing skid and returned to the Final Four after finishing fifth last season.
More than just repeating against an Adamson crew they previously beat 74-71 last July 28, the Tamaraws also improved to 9-4 overall, enough to tow pace-setting National University (9-3) into the semifinals.
Celedonio Trollano Jr. sizzled with a career-high 25 points but the Falcons simply ran out of steam in the second half and eventually dropped to their ninth loss against four wins.
Showing up with fire in his eyes, the 5-foot-11 Romeo drilled in 19 big points in the first half and went on to finish with 32 points spiked by eight rebounds, four assists and a steal in 33 scintillating minutes of play.
His third triple of the game gave FEU its biggest lead at 80-61 going to the final 4:43 of play.
Honorable Mentions: Primarily backstopping Romeo was do-it-all forward Mac Belo, who dished out a near double-double outing of 18 points and nine rebounds.
More importantly, the 6-foot-3 forward also ignited the team’s telling 19-5 run to start the third canto, scoring seven points in the process.
For his part, RR Garcia put the finishing touches as he racked up six of his 14 markers in the payoff period. He also issued a team-high six assists while adding four rebounds and two steals.
Game Turning Point: Holding just a precarious four-point lead, the Tamaraws came out of the break with ferocity, with Belo scoring seven in that decisive surge in the third canto.
FEU refused to be denied from there, even taking a 19-point lead off a Romeo triple, as Adamson, even behind the exploits of Trollano, failed to keep in step.
They Said It:
FEU coach Nash Racela: “The only thing I wrote in the board is ‘F4.’ That means Final Four. It’s just to remind them that is our initial goal. We told them it is within our reach. Andyan lang yun sa tabi namin. All we needed to do was to get it. I think we did a major step towards our eventual goal.”
FEU guard Terrence Romeo: “Galing ako sa masamang shooting kaya sa last two practices namin, nag-extra shooting ako. Thank you kay God.”
FEU guard RR Garcia: “Sympre masaya kasi last year hindi kami nakapasok. Talagang pagtatarbahuhan pa namin. Tulad ng sinabi ni coach, hindi pa tapos ang trabaho namin.”
The scores:
FEU (92) – Romeo 32, Belo 18, Garcia 14, Cruz, M. 8, Mendoza 7, Tolomia 5, Sentcheu 2, Pogoy 2, Lee Yu 2, Jose 2, Inigo, Axel 0, Luz 0, Dennison 0, Delfinado 0, Aguilon 0.
Adamson (80) – Trollano 25, Cruz, J. 13, Rios 11, Brondial 9, Inigo, Antonio 7, Sewa 6, Petilos 3, Cabrera 3, Cabigas 2, Monteclaro 1, Ochea 0, Julkipli 0, Agustin 0.
Quarterscores: 21-23, 44-40, 67-55, 92-80.
Source: Yahoo Sports
