FEU Baby Tamaraws knock out DLSZ

By: Anton Roxas | Sep 17th 2013

Defending UAAP Juniors basketball champion Far Eastern University-Diliman held off a furious rally from De La Salle-Zobel to prevail, 65-55, in their step-ladder semifinals match on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at the Blue Eagle Gym inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Trailing 51-37 to start the fourth quarter, the Junior Archers were not ready to let their season slip away just yet as they utilized a full-court press that helped them go on a 16-6 run to cut the deficit to just four points, 57-53, at the 4:28 mark.

But, FEU-Diliman responded with a 4-0 run capped off by a booming triple from the left wing by Jj Domingo, giving the Baby Tamaraws a 61-53 lead with 1:48 to go. That shot proved to be the finishing blow as DLSZ would only score two more points before the final buzzer sounded.

Domingo had an all around performance with a game-high 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Renzo Subido finished with 17 points in his final UAAP game as a Junior Archer.

FEU-Diliman will advance to the next phase of the stepladder semifinals in UAAP Season 76 to face the number two seeded Ateneo Blue Eaglets, who will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.

That matchup will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2012 at 12 noon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Box scores:

FEU-Diliman 65 – Domingo Jj. 18, Lee 12, Completo 9, Tabudlo 8, Bienes 8, Comboy 4, Escoto 3, Aquino 2, Domingo Js. 1, Rumbaoa 0, Lumba 0, Cano 0.

DLSZ 55 – Subido 17, Melecio 11, Maldinger 11, Paraiso 5, Banzon 4, Romero 3, Cabarrus 3, Sajulga 1, Quintos 0, Abanilla 0.

Quarter scoring: 16-16, 32-22, 51-37, 65-55.