Maroons shock Tams in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Maroons turned to Cameroonian Joel Ahanda and Mikee Reyes at endgame to stun the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 76-71, over the weekend in the start of the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup last Saturday at the Arellano University gymnasium in Legarda, Manila.

The 6-foot-3 Ahanda shot 10 of 19 points for the Rey Madrid-coached Maroons as he and Reyes, who led with 24 points, towed the Maroons into the early lead with the College of St. Benilde Blazers and the Mapua Cardinals.

Juan Paolo Taha drilled in 12 points for the Blazers who blasted the Lyceum Philippines University-A Pirates, 77-64, while the Cardinals prevailed over the San Sebastian College-B Stags, 82-73. 

Ahanda struck hardest right after the Tams threatened, 63-65, following repeated attacks from Raymar Jose in the final.

His jumper and two free throws with 2:18 allowed the Maroons to keep their distance, 69-64.

Reyes’ triple with 45.3 ticks left allowed the Maroons to finally move out of FEU’s range, 74-67.

The Blazers scored five triples in the last period, and with Travis Jonson made two of them, widening a 54-50 edge in the third quarter edge to 13 at the buzzer.

The Maroons took charge early, breaking free from an 18-all deadlock in the second period off a triple from Andrew Harris and Ahanda’s three-point play.