“I’m happy we executed well. I’m happy maganda nilalaro nya (RR Garcia). Sana tuloy tuloy na hanggang UAAP. We still lack big men in the absence of JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos but maganda naman yung nilalaro ng ibang players. We actually have five rookies in our line-up,” FEU coach Glenn Capacio said.
The Tamaraws, who beat University of the East for the title in last year’s finals in this tournament presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Extreme, with major sponsors Filoil, Flying V. Total Phils. Inc., San Marino, Accel and Hanes, the official outfitter and also backed by Adidas, BDO, Bayo, Jimm’s Coffee, Kaspersky, Zest Air, Karspersky Isecure Networks, Gourmet Coffee and RX 93.1, got off to a strong start, taking the lead after two quarters, 35-29, before engaging the Falcons in a dogfight in the third quarter with veteran Jan Colina at the forefront of Adamson’s offensive.
The Falcons grabbed a 55-54 at the 5:33 mark in the fourth quarter but Garcia and Paul Sanga gave back the lead to FEU with two quick baskets, 58-55.
A trey by Falcon Lester Alvarez produced the last deadlock with 4:30 to go before Reil Cervantes hit a jumper to give the lead to FEU for good, 60-58.
The scores (Quarters: 18-16, 35-29, 51-46, 72-65)
FEU 72 - Garcia 25, Noundou 13, Cervantes 12, Sanga 10, Bringas 8, Mendoza 2, Knuttel 2, Exciminiano 0, Romeo 0.
ADAMSON 65 - Nuyles 16, Alvarez 14, Camson 10, Galinato 6, Lozada 5, Stinnett 4, Cabrera 3, Cañada 2, Manyera 2, Etrone 2, Importante 1, Colina 0.
via Manila Bulletin
