Tams pull Falcons back to earth

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern U moved closer to clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four after a methodical win over Adamson, 82-69, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws unleashed a big 14-5 finishing kick to clip the Falcons, who last threatened at 68-64.

Russel Escoto and Raymar Jose scored 13 and 12 points, respectively to pace the Tamaraws who improved to league-leading 10-1 win-loss mark and clinched at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. 

Mac Belo added 10 points while Mike Tolomia dished out all-around numbers (nine points, eight rebounds and six assists) for FEU, which led by as many as 17 points.

The Tamaraws methodically wore down the Falcons increasing their lead from five points in the opening canto to 16 entering the final quarter.

But the Falcons, who shocked the fancied De La Salle Green Archers in their last game, came out with guns ablaze in the payoff period.  Jerome Garcia and Joseph Nalos led Adamson's fiery 14-2 run at the onset of the final quarter only to fall short.

Garcia and Nalos hit 16 and 15 points, respectively to pace Adamson, which slid to 2-10 win-loss card.

The scores:

FEU 82 — Ru. Escoto 13, Jose 12, Belo 10, Pogoy 9, Tolomia 9, Arong 7, Inigo 7, Orizu 7, Ri. Escoto 4, K. Holmqvist 2, Trinidad 2, Comboy 0, Dennison 0, Ebona 0, S. Holmqvist 0, Tamsi 0.

Adamson 69 — J. Garcia 16, Nalos 15, Bernardo 10, Tungcab 10, Polican 6, Sarr 4, Villanueva 3, Capote 2, Ochea 2, C. Garcia 1, Camacho 0, Escalambre 0, Fernandez 0, Margallo 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 43-33, 66-50, 82-69