Far Eastern University took a wire-to-wire 62-55 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos to snap its two-game skid in the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Wednesday in San Juan City.
The Tamaraws raced to a 19-0 start to begin the game, only allowing the Golden Stags to score their first point with seven seconds left in the quarter – a free throw by Dylan Garcia.
San Sebastian went just 0-of-13 from the field in the first 10 minutes of the contest.
The Golden Stags only scored its first field goal of the game after a jumper by Garcia at the 6:37 mark of the second quarter.
The Golden Stags though gained their rhythm in the second half behind the likes of Raymart Escobido, Rafael Are, and Jessie Sumoda.
Eventually, San Sebastian was able to cut the lead down to three, 56-53, after an Are bucket with 2:28 left.
Patrick Sleat, Royce Alforque, and James Tempra though willed the Tamaraws with huge buckets late to avert a meltdown.
“We just had to remind the fundamentals. Our team especially the guards like to gamble, so playing disciplined, one on one defense, and control the rebounds,” said FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales, who subbed for head coach Olsen Racela.
Sleat got 13 points to go with four rebounds and three assists, while Alforque chimed in 11 points and seven rebounds for FEU. Tempra just missed a double-double for the Tamaraws with nine points and 10 rebounds.
Bryan Sajonia was stretchered out of the court after suffering from muscle fatigue at the 2:27 mark of the third period.
Meanwhile, Escobido led San Sebastian with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field along with three rebounds and three assists. Are also added 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the losing cause.
FEU (1-2) will have a six-day break and will next face the NCAA third runner-up San Beda University on Wednesday at 3:00 PM in the FilOil Arena at San Juan City. Meanwhile, San Sebastian (0-1) will face the same team on Friday, August 5.
The Scores:
FEU 62 –– Sleat 13, Alforque 11, Tempra 9, Sajonia 7, Torres 5, Gonzales 5, Sandagon 4, Bautista 4, Songcuya 2, Bagunu 2, Rosete 0, Dulatre 0, Guibao 0
San Sebastian 55 — Escobido 13, Are 12, Sumoda 8, Una 6, Cosari 3, Garcia 3, Calahat 2, Ventura 2, Felebrico 2, Paglinawan 2, Gabat RL 2, Altamirano 0, Shanoda 0, Desoyo 0, Gabat RA 0
Quarterscores: 19-1, 32-15, 43-36, 62-55
—
The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
