Abarrientos hits game-winning triple as FEU escapes Adamson (Sabong News)
Author
Carlo Anolin
Date
APRIL 07 2022
RJ Abarrientos delivered when it mattered the most and hit a game-winning three to lift Far Eastern University past Adamson, 66-65, in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday night, April 7.
Abarrientos struggled to create space off an Ljay Gonzales pass in transition and had to swerve to the left wing to find his shot.
The Gilas Pilipinas stalwart fired the difficult trey contested by Adamson’s Joem Sabandal with 8.9 ticks left to give the Tamaraws their much-needed win as FEU improved to a 3-3 record.
The 5-foot-11 Abarrientos, despite struggling on a 4-of-12 shooting, led all scorers with 17 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists, Gonzales posted 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Xyrus Torres contributed 13 points and six rebounds.
“We all know basketball is a game of runs. We were down by eight points last five minutes,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
“We made a last run thanks to these guys (Abarrientos and Torres). This will really help us moving forward.”
Jerom Lastimosa earlier fired a go-ahead triple off a Joshua Yerro dish with 20.9 seconds remaining, 65-63, before their efforts went into naught as Abarrientos responded with the clutch three.
Lastimosa missed another potential game-winning triple for the second straight game as time expired.
Torres also spelled the difference and made pivotal plays after scoring seven points in FEU’s 9-0 run to lead by one, 63-62.
Lastimosa paced Adamson anew, which fell to a 1-6 record, with 16 points including three triples, six rebounds, and three assists, Cedrick Manzano added 12 points and five rebounds, while Lenda Douanga chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.
— Abarrientos 17, Gonzales 16, Torres 13, Tempra 6, Ojuola 4, Alforque 3, Bienes 3, Sandagon 3, Li 1, Sajonia 0, Coquia 0, Celzo 0.
— Lastimosa 16, Manzano 12, Douanga 10, Magbuhos 8, Yerro 6, Sabandal 4, Colonia 4, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 2, Peromingan 0, Barasi 0, Jaymalin 0.
13-9, 26-28, 46-43, 66-65.
