Wendell Comboy reset his career-high to lead the Far Eastern University’s 81-65 trouncing of University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tilt, Sunday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Comboy and L-Jay Gonzales had career outings for the Tamaraws to help their side in the bounce-back win.
“Tradition naman sa FEU yun, na guard-heavy kami. We rely on our guards and this season is no different,” coach Olsen Racela. “Difference lang siguro, we have young guards.”
The senior Comboy shot 6-of-9 from downtown to lead FEU with 24 points, while also grabbing three rebounds and two assists.
Gonzales, on the other hand, showed that there’s no such thing as a sophomore slump. He churned out an all-around performance in the tune of his 14 points, eight boards, eight assists, and three steals.
Their brilliance allowed the Tamaraws to break away from a close 58-53 affair early in the fourth quarter. They scored 10 unanswered points to tighten their grip in the game, 68-53, with 8:23 left, and never looked back.
FEU finally heaved that sigh of relief after losing to UP, 61-55, in their opener.
“At least naka-isa na kami. But sinasabi ko na sa mga players, play every play, play every possession,” said Racela.
Cameroonian big man Patrick Tchuente also racked nine points and six rebounds, while Barkley Ebona snared seven points, six boards, and six assists for the Tamaraws.
UE suffered their second straight defeat to remain winless at 0-2.
Senegalese center Alex Diakhite carried the Red Warriors with 21 points, 19 coming in the second half. He also had 15 rebounds and four blocks.
Rey Suerte contributed a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
FEU have almost a week off before they face defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Saturday, September 14, 4:00pm at the MOA Arena. Meanwhile, UE play again on Wednesday against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
FEU 81 — Comboy 24, Gonzales 14, Tchuente 9, Ebona 7, Cani 7, Torres 6, Tuffin 5, Bienes 5, Stockton 2, Alforque 2, Celzo 0, Bayquin 0.
UE 65 — Diakhite 21, Suerte 17, Abanto 8, Manalang 8, Mendoza 4, Sawat 3, Pagsanjan 2, Apacible 2, Cruz 0, Tolentino 0, Camacho 0, Beltran 0, Antiporda 0.
Quarterscores: 17-10, 34-25, 58-51, 81-65.
