Tams ward off Falcons, sweep elims

MANILA, Philippines - Terrence Romeo came through with another explosive performance as Far Eastern U survived a hard-fighting Adamson side, 74-71, to complete a sweep of the first round of the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Romeo sizzled for a game-best 26 points, including the last eight points that stymied the Falcons’ repeated comebacks and anchored the Morayta-based school’s best start since stringing seven straight triumphs to start the 2010 season.

“Yes, a first round sweep is an accomplishment,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “But it’s the bigger picture we’re after because the season isn’t over.”

Meanwhile, the league takes a two-week break to give way to the FIBA-Asia Championship slated Aug 1-11 at the MOA Arena and Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Games will resume on Aug. 14 with La Salle and Adamson clashing at 2 p.m. and FEU battling NU at 4 p.m.

The solid start gave FEU a big three-win cushion over National U, UST and University of the East, which all ended up with 4-3 cards after the first phase of the elims, in the battle for one of the coveted twice-to-beat incentives in the Final Four.

NU gained a share of second by turning back La Salle in a scrambling finish, 63-56, in the other match.

Reigning back-to-back MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. came through with 20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as the Bulldogs rebounded from back-to-back losses to stay in the hunt.

Still, the day belonged to Romeo.

After trailing majority of the way and by three, 58-61, midway in the final canto, FEU clamped down on defense to slow down the Falcons while Romeo stepped up to do what he does best – shoot the lights out of the Big Dome.

The streak shooting Romeo actually had a sluggish start, missing seven of his 11 attempts in the first half until he found his rhythm and range when the Tams needed them most.

“I was a little tight but I’m happy I got my rhythm back in the second half,” said Romeo, the league’s current MVP race leader.

The Falcons actually had one last chance to force overtime after FEU’s Mike Tolomia turned the ball over on a five-second violation with 15.9 seconds remaining in the contest.

But Ar-raouf Julkipli misfired on a desperation three-pointer, sending Adamson to 3-4 in a tie with La Salle and idle Ateneo with UP going winless in seven games.