Tams stay on top; Eagles at second

Games today (Smart Araneta)

2 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU

4 p.m. – NU vs UE

MANILA, Philippines - It was no rampaging romp but the Far Eastern U Tamaraws got the job done nonetheless, beating a tough-fighting University of the Philippines, 75-69, to gain at least a playoff for a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tourney yesterday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Showing only a shadow of a streaking league-leader, the Tams couldn’t shake the pesky Maroons off until the last two minutes, banking on the end-game heroics of point guard Achie Iñigo to pick up their sixth straight win and 9-2 overall.

“Masaya pero parang may kulang. Marami pa talaga kaming dapat gawin (The joy from the victory isn’t complete),” said assistant coach Eric Gonzales, filling in for coach Nash Racela who is with Gilas Pilipinas in Spain.

Gonzales, a former National U coach, echoed Racela’s previous complaints about the Tams’ “inconsistent ways.”

“I keep on reminding the players: ito ang pinaka-nakakatakot na game. From Day One, napansin namin ni Coach Nash na nakapaka-inconsistent nila. Pag mahina ang kalaban, yung players nagre-relax, pag kalaban La Salle or top teams, kahit hindi mo na kailangang i-motivate, nagpapakamatay. So thankful ako na nanalo (These are the types of game we’re worried most. Players tend to relax going up against weaker teams so I’m thankful we got this one),” said Gonzales.

Iñigo bailed FEU out of possible embarrassment as he banked in a big-time triple to spark a 7-0 windup that settled the outcome.

“Tsamba lang (Pure luck),” said Iñigo of his second triple connection that gave them a 71-69 lead. “Inisip ko lang, ko ma-shoot yun, para sa amin talaga yung game eh. Crucial yun dahil lumamang kami (I just let it fly thinking if it goes in, the game is ours).”

Kiefer Ravena pumped in 10 of his 23 points in the payoff period to power Ateneo past University of Santo Tomas, 69-58, for  solo second with 8-3.

Ravena fueled a lethal 10-0 salvo in the fourth, as the Eagles broke free from a 51-49 contest and established the foundation for the 11-point win. The Tigers (5-6) dropped to a deeper hole, needing a sweep to force a playoff for the semis.