The Far Eastern University Tamaraws fended off another end-game collapse and finished off the Arellano University Chiefs, 87-81, to take its second straight win in Group B of the 2017 FilOil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup, Sunday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win set FEU up to second spot in the group in a tie with UP. Arellano slipped to its third straight loss in as many games.
Prince Orizu led the charge for the Tams with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. RJ Ramirez added 12 markers and three assists.
Leading by just one at the half, FEU pushed their lead in the third quarter to as much as 18 points, as Arvin Tolentino was left wide open for top-of-the-key trey with three minutes left in the period.
FEU head coach Olsen Racela lamented the lack of focus his team had in the final frame.. “Improving kami. Yun naman sinabi kong goal. Improvement on every game. Di ko lang nagustuhan – loss of focus ng fourth quarter,” he shared.
That defensive intensity, however, suddenly died down in the fourth quarter. Arellano’s Kent Salado and Zach Nichols collaborated to scare the Tamarawas, as they got to within two, 81-83, under a minute left.
“Awareness. Pati yung last play na nagalit ako, we gave up a wide open shot to their best three-point shooter,” Racela rued. “Pinasok ko na mga defensive players ko at iniwan nilang bukas. Yun ang lack of awareness eh.”
Thanks to a Hubert Cani clutch basket late in the game, the Morayta-based squad kept their unblemished record.
The Tamaraws will try to do better as they face National University (3-1) on Friday, May 26 at 1:30 pm.
Salado ended with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to rally the Chiefs. Nichols registered 12 points in 40 percent shooting, all from behind-the-arc.
Arellano will attempt to rescue their campaign when they lock arms with Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday, May 29 at 3:15 pm.
The Scores:
FEU (87) – Orizu 14, Ramirez 12, Cani 12, Parker 11, Escoto 10, Tolentino 10, Ebona 6, Bienes 5, Dennison 4, Tuffin 3, Comboy 0, Inigo 0, Nunag 0, Stockton 0.
AU (81) – Salado 22, Nichols 12, Flores 11, Meca 11, Caneta 9, Enriquez 9, Aguilar 3, Concepcion 2, Rivera 2, Ongolo-Ongolo 0, Taywan 0, Cahigas 0, Padilla 0, Chavez 0, Juico 0, De Guzman 0, Villoria 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 38-37, 72-57, 87-81.
