FEU overwhelms UE with explosive second half

By Donjie Carreon Posted Jun 29th 2013

Far Eastern University's Terrence Romeo said the league can expect a different player this season. But the version that played in the season debut was classic Romeo-aggresive, unrelenting and very dangerous.

Romeo shook of a slow start to lead a furious second half explosion that overwhelmed the University of the East, 89-78, to win its opening game of UAAP Season 76 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Romeo narrowly missed a triple double as he led FEU with 23 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Senior guard RR Garcia came off the bench to add 18 points, while center Anthony Hargrove chipped in 11 and six rebounds. Guard Roi Sumang scored 22 points for UE.

FEU Coach Nash Racela said patience more than adjustments was the key for the comeback, adding that the team just stuck to the game plan.

“I just reminded them to be patient. We struggled, but we were just down five points. I’m happy they trusted me… They understood the game plan at sinunod nila. Mas maganda lang ang execution namin sa second half,” Racela said.

As for his decision to make Garcia, a former most valuable player, the sixth man, Racela said the people can expect such surprises.

“I told RR about the plan and I’m glad he responded. There is no definitive starting five for us. Sometimes it’s RR (coming off the bench), sometimes it’s Terrence. Even the big men. No one is entitled to anything, “ he said

FEU fell by as much as 10 points in the second quarter, and finished the half behind, 32-37. But in third quarter, the Tamaraws opened with a 10-3 run to grab the led from UE. The Tamaraws continued their torrid shooting in the quarter behind 10 points from Romeo to finish with 29 points, while limiting UE to 17 points and build a 61-54 lead.

In the fourth, Romeo and Garcia took turns carving up UE’s defense as they combined for 11 points midway into the quarter to build a 74-60 advantage.

UE trimmed the lead to nine after Lord Casajeros with hit two triples and a free throw. The Tamaraws, however, continued their barrage as Hargrove made a fast break lay-up, while Garcia converted another transition basket and two free throws for an 88-74 lead to keep the game out of reach from UE.

The Scores:

FEU 89 – Romeo 23, Garcia 18, Hargrove 11, Belo 10, Tolomia 8, Cruz 8, Pogoy 7, Sentcheu 2, Mendoza 2, Jose 0.

UE 78 – Sumang 22, Olivares 17, Casajeros 8, Noble 7, Mammie 7, Javier 4, Hernandez 4, Sumido 3, Santos 3, Jumao-as 3, Flores 0.

Quarter Scores: 11-21, 32-37, 61-56, 89-78.