Fighting Maroons outlast FEU to stay in contention
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons seized a tie at the fourth spot after conquering the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 59-56, in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Figthing Maroon’s team captain Paul Desiderio detonated a game-winning triple to finally end the Tamaraws’ grip over them.
Prince Orizu attempts to block UP's Paul Desiderio. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS CBN Sports.
The Fighting Maroons started a strong second quarter but squandered in the final frame, giving Jasper Parker a chance to sink a clinching triple to tie the match at 56-all with 32.9 seconds remaining.
“Yung mga struggles namin, it’s what we need for us to grow. Masakit but we have the same goal, which is to uplift the program,” UP head coach Bo Perasol said.
Desiderio's game-winning bucket led the Fighting Maroons and ended the match at 59-56.
Besides the big triple he delivered, Desiderio also made sure to limit Tamaraw Ron Dennison to just nine points in the match.
Desiderio finished with game-high 15 points, while first year player Ibrahim Ouattara gained a double-double of 10 markers and 15 rebounds.
Jasper Parker led FEU with 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Alvin Tolentino managed to give 12 markers off the bench.
The victory allowed UP to get the fourth spot, tying the Tamaraws with a 5-6 slate.
The Fighting Maroons will next face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. The Tamaraws, on the other hand, will take on the University of the East Red Warriors on the same day at 2 p.m.
Both games will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Box scores:
UP 59 – Desiderio 15, Ouattara 10, Manzo 7, Gomez de Liaño Ju. 7, Gomez de Liaño Ja. 6, Lim 6, Vito 5, Lao 2, Jaboneta 1, Webb 0, Prado 0, Dario 0, Ricafort 0, Battad 0, Romero 0.
FEU 56 – Parker 13, Tolentino 12, Dennison 9, Comboy 6, Trinidad 4, Cani 3, Orizu 3, Ramirez 3, Tuffin 2, Eboña 1, Iñigo 0.
Quarter scores:
14-18, 32-25, 37-47, 59-56