Tamaraws edge Archers, stay in hunt

MANILA, Philippines — Kirby Mongcopa drained the game-winner as Far Eastern U stunned La Salle, 84-83, and kept its flickering playoff hopes alive in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Janrey Pasaol found Mongcopa inside in a quick transition play in the last 26 seconds after La Salle’s three straight misses as the Tamaraws scored the pivotal win that hiked their record to 5-7.

The Tamaraws stayed at seventh spot but trimmed the gap from fellow hopefuls La Salle (6-5) and Ateneo (5-6) in a tightrope contest for the last semis seat.

“La Salle is a championship team and when I left the house today, I kept saying to myself we have to beat one of the big teams in this tournament in order for us to finally arrive,” said FEU coach Sean Chambers, whose wards need to win their last two games to stay in contention.

Mongcopa had a solid all-around game with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists plus a steal and a block.

Later, reigning champion University of the Philippines (9-3) clinched at least a playoff for the last twice-to-beat edge with a 70-65 revenge win over first-round tormentor Adamson (5-7).

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