Far Eastern University shook off a persistent University of the East, 94-83, to officially eliminate the Red Warriors and claim a share of third place in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws improved to 6-4, tying the De La Salle Green Archers for the third and fourth spots in the standings.
The sun is finally shining on FEU after the team struggled to find its footing in the early stages of Seasons 87 and 88, the first two campaigns under head coach Sean Chambers. This time around, a Final Four berth is within reach.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We’re happy where we’re at compared to last year. I told the guys in practice yesterday we should be very happy that we put ourselves in a situation that we get to control our own destiny,” said Chambers.
Trailing by double digits for most of the third quarter, the Red Warriors mounted a comeback behind Jadden Datumalim and Lance Sabroso, cutting their deficit to just five points with 1:59 remaining, 58-63.
However, the Tamaraws responded through Mo Konateh, Jorick Bautista, and Elias Gish, who combined for eight unanswered points to close out the quarter and restore FEU’s double-digit advantage, 71-58, heading into the final period.
UE last trimmed the deficit to single digits on a Toper Lagat jump shot with 8:40 remaining, 62-71, before FEU seized full control for the remainder of the game to complete a season sweep of the Red Warriors, albeit in a less dominant fashion than their 93-70 first-round victory.
Bautista led the Tamaraws with 18 points and four rebounds, while Konateh posted a double-double with 15 points and 19 rebounds.
Kirby Mongcopa added 15 points and seven rebounds, while rookie Gish posted his best performance of the season so far with 13 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
FEU will look to further strengthen its Final Four bid on Sunday when it faces fellow contender University of Santo Tomas, also at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors extended their winless start to the season to 10 games, falling to 0-10 and officially bowing out of Final Four contention. Their losing streak has now reached 30 games dating back to Season 87.
Lagat continued to lead the struggling Red Warriors in scoring with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one block.
Sabroso chipped in 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Ola Ajani and Cole Cruz-Dumont added 11 points apiece.
UE will look to snap its 30-game losing streak on Saturday when it takes on Adamson University at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
FEU (94) – Bautista 18, Konateh 15, Mongcopa 15, Gish 13, Daa 9, Burgos 9, Pasaol 5, Cabonilas 5, Felipe 3, Nakai 2, Hall 0.
UE (83) – Lagat 24, Sabroso 16, Ajani 11, Cruz-Dumont 11, Datumalim 6, Tañedo 5, Robles 4, Carillo 2, Vazquez 2, Jimenez 2, Santos 0, Dungca 0.
Quarterscores: 24-25, 49-41, 71-58, 94-83.
