By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - July 21, 2008
Paul Gonzalgo hit a huge triple with 1.6 seconds left to lift Adamson University to a pulsating 66-64 win over the fancied University of the East squad yesterday in the 71st UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Gonzalgo, son of former Ginebra stalwart Dante, made the crucial shot after UE’s Elmer Espiritu hit two free throws with still 23.9 ticks left. The Red Warriors had a chance to steal the win but Marcy Arellano missed a last-gasp attempt from rainbow territory.
"I’m happy that we got the upset win because UE is one of the contenders," said coach Leo Austria.
"With this win, it adds morale to the team, maybe it’s a beginning for them to believe in themselves."
In the second game, Far Eastern University survived a late comeback by University of Santo Tomas for a 70-65 victory and took share of second place with idle De La Salle at 3-1.
Team captain Benedict Fernandez led the Tamaraws by scoring nine of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, turning a 49-47 deficit into a 62-53 advantage with 5:46 remaining.
Also stepping up big for the Falcons was Jan Colina, who scored15 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, seven off the offensive glass.
The Falcon thus tied UE for fourth place with identical 2-2 win-loss records.
Gonzalgo, who had 12 points and five rebounds off the bench, took the shot after the Falcons failed to execute their first option.
"It was supposed to be a pick-and-roll play for Canada, pero option din si Paul sa opensa, may nakita siyang opportunity so he took the shot," Austria said.
After a 32-27 lead at halftime, Gonzalgo, Mike Galinato, and Jeff Olalia erupted in the third canto that saw Adamson build a commanding 48-33 advantage.
But UE fought back in the fourth quarter highlighted by a triple of James Martinez that shoved the Warriors within 60-59, with 2:38 remaining.
But Olilia hit a basket 14 seconds later to put it back to three, 62-59, at the 2:24 mark.
Following a split each from Espiritu and Gonzalgo, Hans Thiele made both charities with 1:06 left.
Colina was called for an offensive foul on the ensuing play with 43.2 seconds left as the Warriors regained possession. Colina then sent Espiritu to the foul line for UE’s last two points.
The Red Warriors led early, 15-10, in the first quarter advantage before Colina scored seven points in the second quarter to lift Adamson to a five-point halftime advantage.
The Tigers nearly stole the game from the Tamaraws, chopping the margin to only two, 67-65, off UST rookie Clark Bautista’s trey and Jeric Fortuna’s jumper with 1:50 remaining. UST, however, was held scoreless the rest of the way.
"We won the game because of our defense pero hindi ako makapaniwala na kahit 33 percent lang kami sa shooting, nanalo kami," said FEU mentor Glen Capacio.
Aside from Fernandez, Baracael recorded 16 points and four rebounds for the Tamaraws with point guard Mark Barroca adding eight points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
Francis Allera led UST with 20 points and eight rebounds before being sidelined for the rest of the game because of cramps.
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