2008 UAAP Result: FEU loses to UE

In a technically no-bearing game, the University of the East Red Warriors displayed more character and poise to derail the Far Eastern University Tamaraws' hopes of securing a play-off berth for the second spot in the final four, beating the latter 73 - 61 at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday in the penultimate day of eliminations of UAAP Season 71 Men's Basketball.

The Warriors probably want to erase the stigma of their near collapse against UST that they played with more focused in the start and held off any rally the Tamaraws mounted in the fourth. The Tamaraws must now hope that Ateneo beats its archnemesis La Salle in the final playing date of eliminations to get a chance for a play-off for the last twice-to-beat incentive slot of the final four.

UE started well and scored 12 points off the 14 turnovers committed by FEu to take a 36 - 24 lead going into the halftime break.

FEU tried to rally in the third but UE kept them at bay behind Pari Llagas who scored 7 points in the quarter including a trey. Benedict Fernandez scored 10 straight points from two fastbreak lay-ups and two treys to cut UE's lead to nine, 54 - 45 going into the fourth quarter.

As they have done in the past, FEU mounted a comeback in the fourth, cutting the lead into six in numerous occasions. The last on Cervantes basket, 67 - 61 in favor of UE.

After Martinez canned two charities to up the lead to nine, the Warriors tightened their defense, Reyes came up with three steals and a fast break lay-up to finally break the Tamaraws. Paul Lee finished up the scoring with a basket, 73 - 61.

In the first game, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons ended its Season 71 campaign on a bright note by beating the National University Bulldogs 69 - 57.

The Falcons got a great game from its wingmen; Agustin, Gonzalgo and Nuyles to hand the Bulldogs the distinction of finishing last this season.