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The Tamaraws recover a 4th place share after beating the record performance of NU rookie John Lloyd Clemente
ON THE TRACK. Axel Iñigo and FEU Tamaraws win a key victory against NU. Photo of Michael Gatpandan / Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University took a bright start by beating National University rookie John N. Clemente, aged 79 to 74, to keep his hopes alive at the Men's 81 Season 81 Final from the UAAP, on Sunday 11 November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws withdrew early by scoring 9 triples in the first period, including 4 by Arvin Tolentino, who finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
Kenneth Tuffin also had 15 points while the Tamaraws beat Clemente.
Clemente had 38 points, the highest number of points scored this season and the highest score for a NU player since the score of 35 for Ray Parks in 2012.
But his huge effort was not enough as the Tamaraws withstood the late rally behind Tolentino, Tuffin and LJ Gonzales' rookie from FEU en route to their seventh victory to reclaim a 4th place spot.
"The third quarter, Clemente is gone, we're happy we've weathered the storm, stuff like that will happen," said Tuffin.
Clemente led the Bulldogs back in the second half as he exploded for 21 points in the third quarter alone, allowing NU to reduce its double-digit deficit to 7, 51-58.
But the Tamaraws kept the Bulldogs away and gave double-digit advance to Gonzales. Tuffin punctuated the race with a shot from 78-65.
FIRE escaped early, burning from beyond the bow, while Tolentino shot 16 points, highlighted by a 4-of-8 sequence shot halfway through the distance.
Scores
FIRE 79 – Tolentino 16, Tuffin 15, Gonzales 9, Stockton 7, Parker 6, Inigo 6, Orizu 6, Bienes 5, Ebona 4, Comboy 3, Bayquin 2, Cani 0, Escoto 0.
NU 74 – Clemente 38, Ildefonso D 12, Diputado 4, Yu 4, Rike 2, Aquino 2, Tibayan 2, Galinato 2, Gallego 2, Salim 2, Gaye 2, Ildefonso S 1, Malonzo 1, Joson 0, Sinclair 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 44-28, 69-61, 79-74.
– Rappler.com
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