After disappointing close-outs in their first two wins, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws finished strong in their game against arch-rivals National University Bulldogs for an 88-77 win, Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Tamaraws charge to a 3-0 slate to keep pace with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. The Bulldogs though extend their losing streak to two games, falling to 3-2.
“I always tell them that every time we play a UAAP team, that’s the only way we can gauge where we are right now,” first-year FEU head coach Olsen Racela shared. “We still have a lot of things to work on.”
Filipino-Canadian guard RJ Ramirez filled-up the stat sheet for FEU with 15 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Team captain Ron Dennison added 12 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
“In the first half we started a little slow, we picked it up and it was all because we followed coach’s game plan,” Ramirez said.
Behind Ramirez and stretch big man Brandley Bienes, the Tamaraws were able to gain a game-high 12-point lead, 72-60, early in the final frame. However, Hubert Cani went down with 5:17 left due to a sprained left ankle.
“Nawala si Hubert. It’s a welcome challenge to us since another guy has to fill in,” Racela said.
With the Bulldogs cutting the lead to just four points with 1:30 left, FEU made three successful stops that led to a 7-0 rally which was sparked by a thunderous Prince Orizu dunk and a triple by Kenneth Tuffin with 14.2 ticks remaining.
“Obviously there was more focus now. Siguro dahil UAAP team kalaban namin,” Racela beamed.
Issa Gaye led NU with 14 points and nine rebounds. Jjay Alejandro, who was being hounded by Ramirez for the entire game, was limited to just 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting.
FEU will play the next half of their back-to-back matches on Sunday, May 28, when they face the Mapua University Cardinals. NU look to snap out of their skid when they take on the San Sebastian Golden Stags the next day at 1:30pm.
The Scores:
FEU (88) – Ramirez 15, Dennison 12, Tolentino 12, Cani 9, Bienes 8, Escoto 8, Orizu 8, Comboy 7, Tuffin 4, Inigo 3, Parker 2, Ebona 0, Trinidad 0, Bayquin 0.
NU (77) – Gaye 14, Morido 12, Alejandro 11, Salem 11, Tibayan 9, Bartlett 4, Yu 4, Diputado 4, Aquino 2, Rangel 2, Lastimosa 2, Mosqueda 2, Abatayo 0, Galvelo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-26, 46-45, 67-62, 88-77
