Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
2018-smart-city-hoops-summer-classic—25-under—feu-def-up—axel-inigo
2018-smart-city-hoops-summer-classic—25-under—feu-def-up—axel-inigo

Basketball

FEU survives grueling OT game against UP to secure Finals berth


In a battle between two of the top teams in the 2018 SMART City Hoops 25-under Summer Classic, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws were able to outlast the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in overtime, 56-52, to secure an outright Finals berth, Thursday evening.

More than the win, the squad showed tremendous character in the contest that impressed FEU head coach Olsen Racela.

“I liked the way we grinded it out right from the start. It was a very low-scoring game,” shared the second-year Tamaraws tactician. “Everyone chipped in, kahit yung mga hinugot ko sa bench really helped. Their focus and awareness was there all throughout the game.”

Buckets were hard to come by in the contest as both teams brought their A-game to the contest.

However, with fatigue setting in overtime, the first to blink would lose. And Axel Inigo was there to take advantage of it.

With the game knotted at 52-all with 39 seconds remaining, the 5-foot-9 guard, who had eight points in the contest, blew by his defender to score the go-ahead floater. On the other end, Kenneth Tuffin was able to force David Murell to a tough lay-up that led to a split on the stripe for JR Parker.

“It was like a UAAP game, yung season na. It was a defensive game and really, what we emphasized every to the players — na ang focus is on the defensive end,” added Racela. “Yung offense kasi will take care of itself. Yung mga crucial baskets namin kanina, it came off our stops — yung breakaway, the and-one play. Yun yung emphasis namin, to play defense.”

UP had a chance to at least cut the lead with 16.5 ticks remaining. Diego Dario though committed a costly turnover, an inside pass to Bright Akhuetie that was easily intercepted by Inigo, that ultimately sealed the game for FEU.

#ReadMore  Philippine Men's Water Polo pulls Indonesia to draw in SEAG opener

Leading the way for FEU in regulation was Tuffin, finishing the game with 14 points and eight rebounds. Ino Comboy chipped in 10 markers as well.

The Fighting Maroons, who ended the round with a 4-1 slate and will face the Lyceum Pirates in the knockout quarterfinals, were paced by Bright Akhuetie. The Nigerian student-athlete had a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds but shot just 3-for-13 from the field.

UP ace Paul Desiderio was limited to just 10 points on a 3-of-11 shooting clip.

The Scores:

FEU 56 – Tuffin 14, Comboy 10, Inigo 8, Ebona 6, Parker 6, Cani 5, Orizu 3, Bienes 2, Jopia 2, Ramirez 0, Casino 0, Bayquin 0, Nunag 0.

UP 52 – Akhuetie 10, Desiderio 10, Manzo 9, Murrell 6, Gozum 4, Dario 2, Tungcab 2, Lim 0, Vito 0, Santiago 0, Longa 0, Espanola 0.

Quarterscores: 11-11, 17-18, 35-38, 50-50, 56-52.

Written By




You May Also Like

Basketball

De La Salle University erupted for a scorching third quarter to keep its unbeaten streak alive, while National University locked in the final UAAP...

AdU

La Salle kept its immaculate record intact in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, steamrolling Far Eastern...

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

Basketball

When one door closes, another opens. That’s certainly the case for both Zain Mahmood and Far Eastern University. Just two months after Veejay Pre...

Basketball

University of the Philippines’ “residency boys” are staying busy during their sit-out year. Veejay Pre, James Payosing, Rainer Maga, and Russell Ogana are reinforcing...

AdU

Adamson University-ARQ Builders escaped with a heart-pounding 86-84 overtime win against University of Santo Tomas-Weng Burs Apartelle to capture the 2025 Mayor Kirk Asis...

Basketball

The UAAP’s freshman class of 2025 is shaping up to be a promising one, headlined by five towering big men who could become the...

Basketball

Abra Solid North continues to push forward in the 2025 MPBL Season, bolstering its already formidable roster with key acquisitions during the signing period....

Advertisement