By: Ohmer Bautista
In the battle for third, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws showed no remorse against the short-handed College of St. Benilde Blazers, 78-58, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup presented by Chooks-to-Go at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Knowing that they will be playing their final game in the tourney, FEU head coach Olsen Racela went all out and fielded all his players.
“I wanted to give exposure to everyone,” he stated.
The Blazers, on the other hand, played their last game without lead scorer Justin Gutang and big man Clement Leutcheu. High-fying Yankie Haruna only played two minutes in the ball game.
Up by eight at halftime, 32-24, the Tamaraws continued to step on the gas pedal as they unloaded a blistering 25-16 rally to ballon their lead to 16, 56-40.
FEU then further buried the Blazers with seven unanswered baskets, 63-40, to kickstart the payoff period. CSB, however, tried to crawl back, but the Tamaraws’ lead proved to be insurmountable, sealing the deal for FEU.
No player scored double figures for FEU, with Gilas cadet Ken Tuffin and Joseph Nunag leading the way with nine points each.
Meanwhile, Kendrix Belgica and Rob Nayve finished with 12 points apiece.
The Scores:
FEU 78 – Tuffin 9, Nunag 9, Tolentino 8, Inigo 7, Comboy 6, Jopia 6, Ramirez 6, Orozu 5, Ebona 4, Gonzales 4, Parker 4, Bienes 2, Cani 0, Stockton 0.
CSB 58 — Belgica 12, Nayve 12, Pagulayan 11, Barnes 10, Carlos 6, Naboa 3, Dixon 2, Young 2, Haruna 0, Pasturan 0, Velasco 0.
Quarterscores: 12-17, 32-24, 56-40, 78-58.
