Tams’ prized rookies turn back national U-17 side

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U drew clutch baskets from two rookies to hold off the national men’s Under-17 squad, 69-66, in the 20th Fr. Martin Cup summer basketball tournament at San Beda gym in Mendiola last Sunday.

Francis Tamsi, a prized find from Bohol, and Davao standout Jeson Delfinado made 17 and nine points, respectively, as the Tamaraws notched their first win in Group B.

The National University Bullpups and the Adamson Baby Falcons, meanwhile, beat their respective rivals to post their second straight victories in junior play.

The Bullpups got 16 points from JJ Beldura as they turned back the Chiang Kai Shek Dragons, 85-56, while Gerald Fernandez and JD Tungcab hit 33 and 18 points, respectively, as the Baby Falcons walloped the Manila Patriotic School side, 120-59.

After Richard Escoto put the Nationals ahead, 66-65, with 64 seconds remaining, the Tams wrested the lead on Delfinado’s jumper before Tamsi and Delfinado canned in charities in the closing seconds to pound out the win.

The Lyceum Philippines University-B Pirates, meanwhile, drew 14 points from Joseph Gabayni as they routed the Centro Escolar University-Malolos Scorpions, 87-52, for their second win in Group A.

Donald Tankoua made 12 points for the San Beda Red Lions, who won over the LPU-A Pirates, 66-61.