Birthday boy gifts FEU with win over UE

MANILA, Philippines - Reil Cervantes found the perfect way to celebrate his 24th birthday yesterday: deliver the big baskets in overtime and lead Far Eastern U past University of the East, 83-77, in the UAAP Season 73 seniors basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.

Cervantes hit two crucial baskets in extension as the Tamaraws (8-1) bounced back from their stunning 63-64 loss to Adamson last Thursday by disposing of the Red Warriors (2-7) in a game that FEU coach Glen Capacio thought was “unfairly officiated.”

“Can’t you do anything to improve the officiating in the UAAP?” Capacio said in Filipino during the post-game interview. “I can’t comprehend why they (referees) called fouls on us even on a slight contact when our players were practically beaten up but drew no calls.”

The FEU mentor said the alleged biased calls enabled the Warriors to chip away the Tamaraws’ early 41-23 second quarter lead.

“For me, the game was virtually over by the second quarter. I don’t know what their (referees) plans were,” he said.

Cervantes shared his coach’s sentiment. “It (officiating) was biased against us. It was obvious that they wanted UE to come back into the game.”

But despite the unfavorable calls, Capacio said he instructed his wards to focus on their games.

“I told the players to just give it their all and hope for best. And they really responded. They did not mind the calls anymore that’s why we were blessed with this win,” he said.

Chris Exciminiano actually started the FEU onslaught in overtime with a putback, triggering an 8-2 blast spiked by Cervantes’ post play and dunk.

Paul Zamar and Ken Acibar put UE to within 77-80 before RR Garcia sealed the win with a short stab with 19.7 seconds left in the extra period.

The Tams thus got a win back after seeing their seven-game streak, and a sweep of the first round, snapped by the Falcons.

“That was a test of character how our team rebounded from that loss. A day after that loss, before our practice, the players had a huddle to show their concern for the team, so I’m happy that they kept the faith and remain committed to our cause,” Capacio said.

Garcia fired 23 while Cervantes had 19 and Aldrech Ramos made 13 for the pacesetting FEU.

Paul Zamar posted a career-high 18, as did Ken Acibar, who also had 18 markers and hauled down 20 rebounds, the highest since UST’s Jervy Cruz grabbed 23 in 2008.