THE FAR EASTERN University Tamaraws grabbed solo second place while the Adamson Soaring Falcons handed the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers their first loss in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
FEU outhustled the National University Bulldogs in the clutch, prevailing, 62-59, to hike their record up to 3-1 (win-loss).
Meanwhile, the Falcons understated their desire for the title once again, this time by downing the erstwhile unbeaten Tigers, 81-71.
The Tamaraws though had to claw and scrap for the victory as the Bulldogs held a 37-35 lead at halftime in spite of their star rookie wingman, Bobby Ray Parks being held down to just three points.
However, FEU, last year’s runners-up, stood their ground in the fourth period and held their opponents to just a paltry five points to hang on to the win.
RR Garcia, the reigning MVP, tallied 17 markers with 15 of those coming in the first half. Aldrech Ramos added 11 markers. NU was led by Joshua Alolino’s 12 as their leading scorer, Parks, managed just 11 on 2-of-7 shooting.
In the main game, Janus Lozada exploded for a new career-high with 21 points to lead Adamson to a 2-1 mark, the same record as their victims. Eric Camson was also a force down low with 19. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio