Tamaraws end Falcons’ four-game win streak

MANILA, Philippines — The Far Eastern University Tamaraws prevented another overtime comeback win by Adamson as they squeaked past the Soaring Falcons, 73-70, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball clash Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Falcons, who are coming off an improbable comeback victory against University of Santo Tomas a few days ago, fell just short of another comeback victory to see its four-game winning streak snapped. 

Jorick Bautista led the charge for the Tamaraws with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 11 markers, 17 boards, four dimes, a steal and a timely swat on Monty Montebon.

FEU led by 10 points, 55-45, in the fourth quarter after a triple by Bautista with 7:55 remaining. 

Adamson, though, showcased its grit, unleashing a 12-4 run capped by a Ray Allen Torres 3-pointer to slice the deficit to two, 57-59, with 4:12 remaining. 

While the Tamaraws were able to hit shots, Torres sparked the Falcons to stay within striking distance.

A late deuce by Cedrick Manzano forced the overtime period, as Neil Owens’ game-winning 3-pointer attempt at the end of regulation missed. 

The two teams traded points in extra time. 

With the game tied at 70-all, Janrey Pasaol was fouled. He made both free throws to push FEU up, 72-70, with exactly 44 seconds left. 

On the other end, Montebon tried to hoist up a triple over the outstretched arm of Mongcopa, who blocked the Adamson gunner. 

After Mongcopa secured the rebound, he was fouled. He missed the first and made the second, but FEU still had a 73-70 advantage. 

In the next possession, Torres missed a game-tying triple. Mongcopa was once again fouled, and he missed both freebies with 5.8 seconds left, giving Adamson a window of opportunity.

The team then went to Montebon, but his tying triple hit the front of the rim as the clock expired, securing FEU’s win.

Rojan Montemayor also had 11 points for FEU while Pasaol, who struggled from the field on a 3-of-16 clip, flirted with a triple-double with 10 markers, nine boards and eight dimes.

Torres paced Adamson with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Manzano had 19 markers and 12 boards.

The Tamaraws rose to a 4-6 win-loss record, which gives them a shot at making the Final Four despite being seventh in the standings. 

Adamson, meanwhile, is outside the semis picture for now at 5-5, right behind fourth seed UST.