Tamaraws dismantle Fighting Maroons
The Far Eastern University (FEU) dominated the University of the Philippines (UP), 78-59, as the Tamaraws took advantage of the poor shooting of the Fighting Maroons in the Sunday shootout in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Besides improving its win-loss card to 4-2 and placing for solo third, the Tamaraws’ victory allowed them to attain a 12-game winning streak over the Fighting Maroons who dropped their slate to 3-2.
The Fighting Maroons entered the game determined after beating the Season 79 champions, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
Ron Dennison attempts to block Paul Desiderio’s offensive shot. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS CBN Sports.
However, the Tamaraws proved that they are also a force to be reckoned with.
“It was a defensive game for us. First time namin this year to limit a team to below 60 points. So 'yun ang focus namin before the start of the game,” FEU head coach Olsen Racela said.
“I think timing them na we caught them on an off night. 'Yung mga napasok nilang shots noong last game against La Salle, hindi pumapasok ngayon,” he added.
Earlier in the game, UP went cold from the field that boosted FEU to break away.
FEU’s Ron Dennison led the Tamaraws with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while also playing lockdown defense against UP's ace Paul Desiderio, who was limited with just nine points.
“Sa akin, 'yung depensa namin, kasi nagawa namin yung ni-ready namin sa UP, lalong-lalo na sa side ko na si Desiderio, na-limit ko siya sa score,” Dennison said.
Richard Escoto added 12 points while Prince Orizu finished with eight markers and 14 rebounds for the Morayta-based squad.
Ibrahim Ouattara and rookie Juan Gomez de Liano led the Fighting Maroons with 17 and 16 markers, respectively.
The Fighting Maroons will take on the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU looks to extend its streak on Oct. 7 when it faces the same team at 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Box scores:
FEU 78 – Dennison 16, Escoto 12, Orizu 8, Inigo 7, Parker 7, Comboy 6, Cani 5, Tuffin 4, Ebona 4, Ramirez 4, Tolentino 3, Stockton 2, Trinidad 0, Nunag 0, Bayquin 0
UP 59 – Ouattara 17, Gomez de Liano Ju 16, Desiderio 9, Dario 8, Manzo 4, Lim 3, Webb 2, Gomez de Liano Ja 0, Vito 0, Ricafort 0, Jaboneta 0, Lao 0, Prado 0
Quarter scores:
18-14, 40-24, 56-43, 78-59