CARL Tamayo anchored top-seed Nazareth School of National University to an 81-75 triumph over Far Eastern University-Diliman to close out the eliminations of the UAAP Season 81 juniors' basketball tournament on Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The 6-foot-8 slotman poured all of his 11 points in the second half, eight coming in the fourth, and hauled down nine rebounds to help the Bullpups sweep the second round and extend their winning streak to eight.
Tamayo was pivotal in NU scoring nine unanswered points to take a 73-67 advantage with 3:49 remaining, before he once again delivered in the clutch, completing a three-point play that made it 79-73 with 1:39 left.
Gerry Abadiano paced NU with 20 points, four assists and two rebounds, while Terrence Fortea got 16 points, five boards and two dimes.
The Bullpups rounded out the elimination phase on top with their 13-1 win-loss card and will enjoy a twice-to-beat edge against No. 4 seed Adamson (9-5) in the Final Four set on Friday.
"We still have to be ready pa rin. Every game naman, pinaghahandaan namin no matter sino kaharap," said coach Goldwin Monteverde as he urged his boys to forget whatever they have accomplished through the first 14 games of the season.
"Tapos na yun. Wala na yun."
RJ Abarrientos led the way for FEU-Diliman with 23 points, seven assists and four rebounds, as Royce Alforque had 14 points, five boards and four assists.
The Baby Tamaraws dropped to 9-5 as they prepare for their Final Four clash against No. 2 seed Ateneo (11-3) in the semifinals.
The scores:
NSNU 81 - Abadiano 20, Fortea 16, Tamayo 11, Felicilda 9, Alarcon 7, Dayrit 6, Javillonar 4, Torres 4, Gonzales 2, Mailim 2, Buensalida 0, Enriquez 0, Vinoya 0.
FEU 75 - Abarrientos 23, Alforque 14, Torres 13, Sajonia 12, Anonuevo 7, Tolentino 5, J. Bautista 1, Ona 0, Barasi 0, Sleat 0, Bagunu 0, Bradley 0, S. Bautista 0, Libago 0.
Quarterscores: 20-28; 39-44; 58-58; 81-75.
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