Basketball
FEU holds off UP, climbs into tie for second place
InterAKTV/Roy Afable
Far Eastern University survived a tough challenge from University of the Philippines, 67-63, to climb into a share of the second spot of the standings in UAAP Season 75 action Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.
Guard Roger Pogoy scored 16 points and seven rebounds, while Terrence Romeo added 13 points for FEU, which now has a 9-3 win-loss record, tying the UST Growling Tigers behind just league-leader Ateneo.
“Importante ito kahit four points lang lamang namin,” FEU coach Bert Flores said. “Buti na lang panalo.”
The Fighting Maroons kept the game close early, even taking an 18-16 lead after the first quarter before ending the first half knotted with the Tamaraws at 34-all.
FEU then launched a 14-5 attack led by guard RR Garcia to give the Tamaraws a 53-48 lead at the end of the third period.
UP didn’t let FEU loose though after a 9-2 run to grab a 61-60 lead midway through the final period.
However, UP committed two straight crucial turnovers, paving the way for FEU to take a 66-63 lead in the dying moments of the game after a putback from center Anthony Hargrove and two free throws from Pogoy.
UP had the chance to send the game to overtime, but Alvin Padilla and Mike Silungan both missed their three-point shot attempts.
Silungan led UP with 12 points, while Padilla scored 11 for the Fighting Maroons, who suffered their 12th loss in 13 games.
