The Far Eastern University Tamaraws moved one step closer from clinching first title in nine years after beating National University Bulldgos, 75-70, on Saturday night in the UAAP at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws leaned on Mike Tolomia who lead FEU with 15 points.

Roger Pogoy scored 10 of his 14 points in the decisive third quarter to give the Tamaraws a 60-50.

FEU coach Nash Racela said the Tamaraws’ renewed strength sent them to snatch the Game One of the three-game title series.

The Bulldogs, who returned to the Finals for the first time in 44 years, are expected to bounce back in Game 2 set tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal University  escaped  with an 82-77 win over San Sebastian last night to assure itself of at least a playoff for the Final Four of the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The San Juan City Arena.

With their 12th win in 18 games, the Bombers need to hurdle their last game to make it into the semifinals while avenging their 81-88 loss to the Stags in the first round elimination.

The Stags dropped to 5-13 win-loss card.

In other game, College of St. Benilde pounced on an undermanned Mapua side and scored an 87-76 victory to remain in the Final Four hunt.

Jonathan Grey sizzled with 19 points while Juan Paolo Taha and Pons Saavedra chipped in 13 apiece but it was Luis Sinco's 11-point third quarter explosion that sparked the decisive run in helping seal the Blazers their 11th win against six losses.

St. Benilde will gun for another win against an eliminated Letran on Wednesday to clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four spot."All our efforts will be futile if we can't beat Letran in our next game," said St. Benilde coach Gabby Velasco.

Mapua seems to be okay despite playing with only seven players in Exeqiel Biteng, Justin Serrano, Jerome Canaynay, Jessie Saitanan, Joseph Eriobu, Andrew Estrella and Jeson Cantos after the rest were either suspended or injured at least in the first half.

But the Cardinals, who forfeited their last two outings going into this game, lost steam in the third when a Sinco-led Blazers run broke the game wide open.*PNA

back to top

LCC, USLS boys unbeaten  in NOPSSCEA volleyball
Mix Trio bowling tourney  set tonight at Super Lanes
FEU moves closer to UAAP crown