Eagles endangered species

Ronald Tubid saved his best for last yesterday as University of the East beat Ateneo in overtime, 97-96, stretched its amazing win streak to seven, and left the Eagles groping in the 65th UAAP basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Warriors were up, 92-90, heading into the final 20 seconds when Tubid, who missed eight of his first nine attempts from the floor, nailed a triple that finally broke the backs of the Eagles. His two free throws in the final six seconds sealed the victory for UE.

It was the second triumph by the Warriors over the Eagles this season, and their seventh in nine games overall, pushing them closer to unbeaten leader La Salle and the Final Four. The Archers, with their 9-0 record, are already assured of a slot in the next round.

"My hat’s off to my players for hanging in there especially in the tough situations," said UE coach Boycie Zamar who watched helplessly as the Warriors lost a 20-point lead in the second half. "Ronald Tubid also showed a lot of endgame character. He took charge when it mattered."

The loss, on the other hand, was the third straight for the Eagles, one of the pre-season favorites who slipped to 4-5 overall. A couple more setbacks in their five remaining games might force Ateneo, under new coach Joel Banal, out of the Final Four.

Enrico Villanueva forged the overtime at 82-82 when he split his charities with nine seconds left in regulation. But he could have contributed a lot more if not for his horrific shooting — 5-of-16 from the field and a disgusting 2-of-10 from the stripes.

While it was Tubid who dealt the final blows, James Yap provided the firepower, hitting five triples for 28 points before being pulled out in overtime due to cramps.

Earlier, controversial rookie Arwind Santos let his game do the talking as he led Far Eastern University past UP, 77-61, and to its fourth win in nine games.

Santos, the center of an eligibility case filed by UP against FEU, struck hard with his 21 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and three steals while teammate RJ Rizada poured in half of his 16 markers down the stretch.

It was the second loss by UP against FEU this season, and its sixth in nine games overall.

The Warriors got off to a fiery start as they unloaded a big run to close the opening quarter with a 23-12 lead. It was no different in the second quarter as UE slowly jacked up its lead, which reached its peak at 47-27 before settling down to 49-32 at the half.

But things suddenly changed in the third quarter shortly after a brief power failure halted the action, with the Warriors still way ahead, 51-32. The Eagles, however, came out of the stoppage the better team, unleashing a 24-9 attack that sent them back into the contest, 56-60.

Rich Alvarez had two three-point plays, walk-in rookie Jek Chia two three-pointers and LA Tenorio his own trey during that stretch where Yap somehow held the Eagles at bay with two triples of his own.