UNIVERSITY of the Philippines stretched its win streak to seven with a handy 73-59 victory over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UP vs FEU recap
James Spencer waxed hot early and unfurled 15 of his 19 points in the first half as he shot 4-of-7 from deep, to go with three rebounds to rise to a 10-1 record.
His three in the final 1:51 of the game gave the Fighting Maroons their biggest lead at 21 points, 71-50, to boost their chances for a top two spot which comes with a twice-to-beat incentive.
Malick Diouf was also a menace down low with his 11 points, 20 boards, three assists, and three blocks, while Carl Tamayo had 10 points and seven boards in the win.
"We just need to work on being consistent. We can't play in spurts, we need to be consistent offensively and defensively," said coach Goldwin Monteverde.
UP bucked the absence of Terrence Fortea, who was nursing a sprained ankle, and staged a strong 16-1 start.
The Tamaraws responded with their own 17-4 rally to get to within two, 20-18, late in the first quarter, but the Fighting Maroons once again got their act and slowly created breathing room to take the 14-point conquest.
"After a long break, at least we started well dito sa game na 'to. We started strong especially sa defense namin ng first part, we started strong and that created shots for us," said Monteverde.
FEU lost back-to-back games to fall to 4-7.
Jorick Bautista led the Tamaraws with 12 points, as Chiolo Anonuevo tallied 10 points, four boards, three steals, and two assists.
The Scores:
UP 73 -- Spencer 19, Diouf 11, Tamayo 10, Abadiano 9, Lucero 8, Cagulangan 6, Alarcon 6, Galinato 3, Ramos 1, Gonzales 0, Calimag 0, Lina 0, Eusebio 0, Torculas 0, Andrews 0.
FEU 59 -- Bautista 12, Anonuevo 10, Tchuente 9, Gonzales 9, Torres 7, Sleat 7, Alforque 3, Sajonia 2, Sandagon 0, Tempra 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 43-32, 58-42, 73-59.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
