UAAP: Xyrus Torres game-winner lifts FEU past NU in crucial win

FEU’s Xyrus Torres. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Xyrus Torres sank a three-pointer in the final 2.2 seconds to help Far Eastern University escape with a 59-57 victory over National University Thursday and improve its Final Four chances in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6-foot-4 forward, who just missed a three-point attempt in the Tamaraws’ last-gasp measure, received a pass from LJ Gonzales in the exact same spot to bury the game-clincher and break his team’s three-game losing streak.

Now FEU at 4-6 managed to drag down NU with the same record just under the top three teams in the standings, opening a lot of possibilities in the Final Four race.

The Bulldogs, who slumped to their straight defeat, were holding a 49-40 lead entering the fourth quarter until Torres starred in a rally that put the Tamaraws just 51-48 midway through the fourth.

NU only scored a single field goal in the last period, a three-point-play by Mike Malonzo for a 57-55 Bulldogs lead with 37 second left. But that was until a free throw by Gonzales and a key steal from Emman Ojuola kept the ball in FEU’s hands and making the game-winner possible.