The Far Eastern University- FERN Baby Tamaraws barged in to the finals after a grueling battle against the Ateneo Blue Eaglets that ended 74-72 in their third meeting in the semifinals.
The Baby Tams didn't went off to a hot start as the Blue Eaglets started the game with an early 10-0 run, but the Baby Tams were able to bounce back at the end of the opening quarter to end it at 23-22. Going ti the next quarter the game went tight for both squads as they ended the first half with Ateneo taking a slight 27-36 advantage.
In the second half, the boys from Diliman started to force Ateneo to commit more turnovers with a 9-22 turnover ratio for them to take control of the game eventhough they weren't able to take a huge advantage after finishing the third period 56-55.
In the final period tre pressure is on the side of Ateneo as the Baby Tamaraws consistently playing solid defense and offense, keeping them at bay and giving them a hard time equalizing the game.
The Baby Tamaraws was able to atleast establish a more comfortable 74-68 lead entering the last few minutes of te game, but the Blue Eaglets didn't give up easily as they closed in at 74-72 with a few seconds remaining, Ateneo had the chance to equalized it, but time already ran out giving FEU the second ticket for the finals.
LJ Gonzales had 22 points to lead the Baby Tams back in the finals, Jack Gloria added a double double 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kenji Roman also contributed 14 points.
On the side of the Blue Eaglets, Rookie Sensation Kai Sotto had his career high 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Jason Credo had 16 points as well, Dave Ildefonso added 15 points, and lastly SJ Belangel scored 13 points for Ateneo in losing efforts.
The Baby Tamaraws will face the defending champions NU Bullpups again in a best of three finals that will begin on Tuesday, 2pm at the San Juan Arena.
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