Tams, Falcons, Stags, Bombers reach semis

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Far Eastern University outplayed and outscored University of the Philippines in the fourth quarter as it essayed a 71-59 victory to advance to the semifinal round of the Filoil Flying V First Five Pre-Season Invitational Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Tamaraws bucked a dismal third quarter showing with a sizzling stint in the last period with Paul Sanga leading the attack with three straight triples, powering FEU to a 68-51 bulge heading into the last three minutes of the contest.

Roider Cabrera hit five triples in the fourth quarter as Adamson University ousted fancied Ateneo, 66-59, to clinch the third quarter berth in the semis while Jose Rizal U hung tough in the clutch to subdue San Beda, 67-64, in the second game.

San Sebastian fended off La Salle’s late fourth quarter rally as it hacked out an 84-76 victory to complete the semis cast.

Cabrera poured all his 16 points in the final quarter as the Falcons leaned on their superb outside shooting to neutralize the Eagles’ advantage in size and beat the reigning back-to-back UAAP champions for the first time in two years.

Kenyan recruit Austin Manyara also made two triples for the Falcons, who will face the Tams in the Final Four.

Manyara also finished with 16 points while Eric Camson and Jerick Cañada added 13 points and 12 points, respectivley.

The Tamaraws welcomed back to their fold Smart-Gilas Pilipinas mainstays JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos who played sparingly, but it was RR Garcia and Sanga who delivered the goods for the Tamaraws.

Calvin Abueva shot 10 of his 24 points in the final quarter as the Stags thwarted the Archers’ rally to set up a Final Four duel with the Bombers.

The Stags came out strong in the third period as they built a 19-point bulge, 64-45, but nearly squandered the lead as the Archers fought back to close within four, 73-77, with 1:54 left in the contest.

But Abueva hit two charities and came through with a jumper as the Stags pulled away again at 83-76.

Abueva and Ronald Pascual finished with double-double outputs with 24 points and 13 rebounds and 17 points and 10 rebounds, respectively. – With reports from Kristina Villanueva and Aldo Aviñante