Quezon city: Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) handed National University Nazareth School (NUNS) its first loss in the UAAP Season 88 boys' basketball tournament, with Marc Burgos' decisive free throw clinching a 79-78 victory at Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the thrilling match reached its climax when Bullpup Shaun Lucido tied the game at 78-all with 4.8 seconds remaining. Baby Tam Yosef Raneses then executed an inbound alley-oop pass to the 6-foot-5 Burgos, who was fouled by Corian Cabantog with only 1.1 seconds left. Burgos successfully made his first free throw, securing the win, while Raneses' offensive rebound on the missed second free throw allowed time to expire.
This victory ties FEU-D and NUNS at a 2-1 record in the standings. FEU-D coach Mike Reyes shared insights after the game, explaining that the alley-oop was a pre-planned option. "That's a regular inbound. That's really an option for us so they really know what to do," Reyes stated, emphasizing the strategic execution in the final play.
The Baby Tamaraws' comeback was powered by a strong performance from Cabonilas, Gambian center Assan Gaye, and Burgos. Cabonilas led the charge with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal, including a crucial triple that put FEU-D ahead, 78-76, with 18.9 seconds remaining. Other notable contributions came from Sam Hall with 13 points and Jheremy Godoy with 11 points.
Burgos' performance included nine points, four rebounds, and three assists, marking a significant recovery from FEU-D's previous loss to Ateneo de Manila University. On the Bullpups' side, Lucido stood out with 20 points and Kurl Figueroa added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
In the day's other game, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs claimed their first victory by defeating Adamson University, 79-70. Both teams now have a 1-2 record. UST coach Manu I±igo expressed satisfaction with the win, stating, "We are happy that we got our first win because we really experienced two heartbreakers of defeat."
For the Tiger Cubs, Nigerian center Ola Ajani contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, while Wacky Ludovice added nine points. Mac Jenodia led the Baby Falcons with 11 points and Kieff Iledan followed with 10 points and seven rebounds.
