Tams stomp Bulldogs, get share of 3rd place

MANILA, Philippines – FEU leaned on the exploits of Carl Bryan Cruz and Achie Inigo as it drubbed tournament pacesetter National University, 71-62, in Season 77 of the UAAP men's basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.

Cruz topscored for the Tamaraws with 16 points while Inigo added 14 to help improve the Morayta-based squad’s record to 4-2 (win-loss).

FEU thus grabbed a share of the third spot with defending champion La Salle.

The Tamaraws got off to a hot start, posting a seemingly insurmountable 22-point lead early in the second half.

But the Bulldogs caught fire in the fourth period, unleashing a 14-0 blast capped by Kyle Neypes' bank shot from the top of the key to cut the deficit, 56-60, with 6:17 left.

Cruz drilled a booming triple to stop the run, but NU's Paolo Javelano countered with a triple of his own to put them back within four, 59-63, with 5:45 remaining.

Mark Belo and Anthony Hargrove split their free throws while Mike Tolomia scored on a jumper preceded by a nifty spin move to keep things in order for the Tamaraws, who led 67-59 with 2:38 left.

FEU's defense cranked up in the final moments as they only allowed NU a single field goal – from Alfred Aroga – and forced turnovers to hold on to the win.

Gelo Alolino finished with 13 markers to pace the Bulldogs, who dropped to 5-2 and relinquished the top spot to now sole leader Ateneo (5-1).