Romeo, Tams outlast Eagles in OT

MANILA, Philippines -- Terrence Romeo came up big in the clutch as the FEU Tamaraws handed the Ateneo Blue Eagles their second straight loss with a 79-75 overtime victory in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Wednesday.

Romeo sank four clutch free throws in the endgame to preserve the win after a furious rally from the Eagles in overtime.

Although happy with the win, FEU coach Nash Racela is wary of the rest of their opponents this season.

"Mahalaga sa amin lahat ng panalo namin. We always look at the big picture pero ang importante naman yung small steps. Even if it is an ugly win, we'll take it," said FEU coach Nash Racela. "Any team can beat anybody this season so we'll take it one game at a time.

Ateneo rallied from a 67-73 deficit in the last two minutes, with Juami Tiongson hitting two free throws to tie the game 50 seconds left in the game.

Roger Pogoy then made a huge play when he stole the ball from Ryan Buenafe and immediately scored with 28 ticks left to take back the lead, 75-73.

"My guards have their own identities and I cannot change that overnight. But I'm happy with the way they have been playing so far," said Racela.

Romeo scored a team-high 21 points while Mike Tolomia and RR Garcia added 16 and 13 points, respectively, for the Morayta-based squad.

Garcia had the chance to win the game in regulation but Nico Elorde blocked the shot and Buenafe heaved a full court shot as the buzzer sounded.

Buenafe fashioned out a sterling performance, exploding for a career-high 29 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. But it was not enough to save the Eagles, who are sorely missing the services of star Kiefer Ravena due to injury.

Ravena is out indefinitely for Ateneo while nursing a sprained ankle

Both battled evenly in the first half with the Eagles taking a slight 33-31 advantage at the break. Buenafe led all scorers in the first half with 14 points while Romeo starred for FEU with 12 points.

The Tamaraws improved to 2-0 while the Eagles (0-2) are off to their worst start since 2003.