MANILA – The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws got a share of the lead as they again defeated the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers during Saturday’s 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum.

Just like in their first encounter, the Tamaraws shrugged off another listless start and took control of the game in the second quarter and won 75-67.

Smart Gilas-RP Team stalwart Andy Barroca exploded in the second period, scoring 10 points as the Tamaraws grabbed the lead, 35-31, after trailing by as much as nine.

Barroca, who hit a personal season-high 23 points, was also responsible in stopping UST’s last hurrah late in the game.

A 5-point binge by the Tigers cut the Tamaraws’ lead to four, 67-71. But FEU got a lucky break when UST’s Dylan Ababou was called for goal-tending in his attempt to block Barroca’s lay-up in the final 35 seconds.

Barroca missed the bonus free throw, but his counted basket gave FEU a six-point cushion, 73-67.

With their seventh straight win, the Tamaraws tied the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles on top of the standings at 7-1.

“I’m happy we survived this game kasi hirap kami sa match-up sa UST. ‘Yung big men nila naglalaro sa labas kaya ang mga big men ko, they needed to extend their defense outside. Buti at nagstep-up si Mark (Andy Barroca) knowing na kulang kami sa tao,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio, referring to his suspended big man Reil Cervantes.

Aside from Barroca, Cameroonian rookie Pipo Noundou stepped up in Cervantes’ absence as he collected his second career double-double, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Ababou, who was limited to 10 points in their first meeting, scored 23 points this time, but failed to get enough support from his teammates, particularly from his frontline partner Khasim Mirza.

Mirza failed to score in double digits for the first time this season as the senior forward struggled for only four points. By Alder T. Almo

The Scores:

FEU 75 – Barroca 23, Noundou 11, Garcia 9, Tanuan 8, Sanga 8, Ramos 8, Cawaling 6, Knuttel 2, Exciminiano 2, Eguilos 0, Caluag 0.

UST 67 – Ababou 23, Bautista 11, Teng 9, Maliksi 7, Camus 7, Fortuna 5, Mirza 4, Afuang 1, Mariano 0, Green 0, Aytona 0.

Quarters: 13-20, 35-31, 56-51, 75-67.