Tamaraws overpower Falcons, enter Final 4
The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws trumped the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 71-54, to clinch the last final four spot in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday. The Falcons’ primary sharp shooter Jerrick Ahanmisi suffered a twisted ankle early in the first quarter and never returned.
Arvin Tolentino (left) launches for the shot as Jonathan Espeleta (right) jumps to block. Photo by Josh Albeda of Rappler.
The Tamaraws took advantage of Ahanmisi’s absence and outscored the Falcons in a 19-8 run, ending the match for Adamson. Arvin Tolentino led FEU with 14 points and 5 rebounds, along with Richard Escoto's 11 markers and 8 boards. Robbie Manalang paced the Falcons with game-high 15 points while Papi Sarr added 10 points and 8 rebounds. The Tamaraws are back again in the Final Four after losing last year’s semi-finals at the hands of the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles. The schedule of the final games are yet to be announced. Box scores: FEU 71 – Tolentino 14, Escoto 11, Orizu 10, Parker 9, Comboy 9, Inigo 7, Cani 5, Trinidad 2, Ebona 2, Bayquin 2, Dennison 0, Tuffin 0 AdU 54 – Manalang 15, Sarr 10, Camacho 7, Lojera 4, Ochea 4, Bernardo 4, Espeleta 3, Pingoy 3, Hill 2, Ahanmisi 2, Paranada 0, Manganti 0, Zaldivar 0 Quarter scores: 19-17, 35-32, 52-44, 71-54