Tamaraws fend off Warriors to clinch Final Four seat

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern U clinched the first Final Four seat but not after fending off a big scare from UE Red Warriors, 71-67, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball nightcap at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Tamaraws unleashed a 9-2 finishing kick to stay on top of the standings with their ninth win in 10 games and more importantly clinched a seat in the Final Four. FEU now holds a full game edge over second running UST, which slid to 8-2 win-loss card following its loss to Ateneo last Wednesday. 

Roger Pogoy hit a key three-pointer with 1:33 left that capped off a 7-0 blast by FEU to overturn a 62-65 deficit into a 69-65 lead. The Warriors were not able to recover from that shock as they absorbed their seventh loss in 10 games. 

Despite his shooting struggles, Pogoy delivered when it mattered most and finished with 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting. He added eight rebounds and three assists.  Mac Belo, who also added a jumper in that pivotal run in the endgame, collected 16 markers on top of six boards and two dimes. 

Edison Batiller, who faded down the stretch, led UE's losing effort with 13 points.