Bation’s late game heroics forces a draw against FEU

University of the Philippines replicated their round one encounter with the FEU Tamaraws, ending the game in a tie once again, but this time around, it was the Fighting Maroons with the late game heartbreaker, courtesy of Ramil Bation’s two goals, to end the game with a 2-2 draw, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, November 28, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

“Of course, one of the messages is how we can emulate or excel coming from the UST game. The message was to keep that hunger and help each other on the field,” UP head coach Popoy Clarino said after the game.

“If one makes a mistake, the other is there to cover for it. And of course, the effort—clearly, it showed throughout the ninety minutes plus stoppage time. The effort was there, everyone was there to cover and help one another. It showed in how we were able to equalize against FEU.”

FEU’s Karl Absalon made the game-opening goal early on in the first half, courtesy of an 18th minute penalty, and Selwyn Mamon doubled their score later on in the 80th minute. As coach Popoy said though, the Maroons kept their hunger, as they continued to fight despite being down, 0-2.

In the second half, Ramil Bation III came in clutch, scoring at the 86th minute, keeping the Diliman-based squad afloat.

Come the additional minutes of stoppage time, Bation converted an equalizer to bring the game to a tie, as the Tamaraws were not able to hold on to their lead..

In their first finals rematch, it was the FEU Tamaraws who ended the game with cheers, but in their second meeting, State-U flipped the script, being the ones to emerge with smiles on their faces after bouncing back to tie the game.

With this draw, the FEU Tamaraws failed to clinch the top spot, ending the eliminations round still sitting at second, with 24 points, just one behind the league-leading Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Meanwhile, having one more game this coming Sunday, the UP Fighting Maroons still have a chance to overtake Ateneo, as they are currently third, with 23 points, just 2 points behind the latter.

This Sunday, the Final Four pairings will be determined, as the UP Fighting Maroons face the DLSU Green Archers, December 1, 4:30PM, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, while the Ateneo Blue Eagles go against the fourth seeded UST Growling Tigers, 7:00PM, in the same venue.