Tams bounce back, trip Warriors in 2OT

MANILA, Philippines -- In a battle of attrition FEU came out on top hacking out a classic 98-94 double overtime victory against a hard-fighting UE squad in the 76th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

Terrence Romeo erupted for 30 points while Gryann Mendoza, Mike Tolomia and Anthony Hargrove added 15, 13 and 12 points in that order.

"I'm so happy because my players didn't give up. I remember in the first half we were down seven with less than a minute and I just told them that nothing is impossible," said FEU coach Nash Racela.

"I'm happy because they believed in me and I'm very proud of my players and this is the first time I've said that," he added.

In a game that featured a bevy of heroes from both sides, FEU's Hargrove rose to the occasion in the endgame.

The 6'6 slotman scored the crucial basket when he converted on a lay-up to give FEU a 97-94 lead with 30.1 ticks left.

In the ensuing possession for the Tamaraws, Hargrove managed to draw a foul and split his charities to extend their lead 98-94 with 12.9
seconds remaining.

Roi Sumang who had another sterling performance in their comeback bid was blocked by Axel Inigo in his final attempt to the delight of the FEU supporters.

"Yung mga ganitong games it just makes you stronger and to think that RR wasn't there for us," said Racela.

FEU bucked the absence of former MVP RR Garcia who is serving his one-game suspension to improve their league best record to 8-2.

UE unloaded a 16-4 closing run in regulation to force the game into overtime with Sumang scoring 11 points in the payoff period.

It was FEU's turn to play spoiler, in the first overtime, facing a seven point deficit with less than a 30 seconds remaining, the Tamaraws unleashed a 7-0 zip culminating with a booming triple by Tolomia to tie the game, 85-all, with 3.1 ticks left.

UE failed to convert in the next play after Sumang heaved a desperation shot at the buzzer that missed badly setting up the second overtime.

Sumang topscored for the Warriors with 25 points while Ralf Olivarez added 21 points.

Charles Mammie had another monster performance with 17 markers and 27 boards but it was not enough as UE dropped to 5-4 in a tie with Ateneo at the fourth spot.

Behind Romeo's 12 first half points, FEU led  42-31 entering the second half while Mammie scored 11 points of his own for the Warriors.