Far Eastern University took advantage of the short-handed University of the Philippines, sending them home, 72-63, in the 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Tuesday in San Juan City.
FEU took the final slot in the semifinals and will be facing De La Salle University on Thursday.
Trailing by as much as eight to open the deciding period, Patrick T’Chuente was able to give FEU the lead, 58-57. Then Bryan Sanonia followed it up with a booming triple which gave them a two-possession advantage, 61-57.
With 1:22 left, Sajonia nailed another triple to further bury the Maroons, 68-61.
Split free throws from Bismarck Lina and Malick Diouf didn’t help UP’s chances. LJ Gonzales put the finishing touches, knocking down his free throws during the final seconds. That made it a nine-point win.
“A lot of things we need to work on, but of course, we’re happy with the way our team competed. Lumamang kami, they were down, but they did not give up. That’s what we want in these preseason games, eh. We need to prepare ourselves for the coming season,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
Bryan Sajonia led the Tamaraws with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. LJ Gonzales and Royce Alforque both had 13 apiece. The former added 10 boards and three dimes, while the latter had three boards and two assists.
For UP, Bismarck Lina finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Malick Diouf had a double-double with 12 markers and 12 boards.
UP did not have Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and Henry Galinato in the contest.
The Fighting Maroons will leave for a camp in South Korea this weekend.
The Scores:
FEU 72 — Sajonia 16, Gonzales 13, Alforque 13, Tchuente 11, Bagunu 7, Sandagon 4, Tempra 4, Celzo 2, Songcuya 2, Torres 0, Gravera 0, Guibao 0, Ona 0, Montemayor 0.
UP 63 — Lina 13, Diouf 12, Catapusan 9, Calimag 8, Cagulangan 7, Eusebio 3, Alarcon 3, Abadiano 2, Gonales 2, Fortea 2, Ramos 2, Torculas 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 30-29, 44-52, 72-63.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
