Far Eastern University advanced to the finals after eliminating the undefeated De La Salle University, 71-67 in an overtime thriller in the 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Thursday in San Juan City.
1:30 remaining left in overtime, Kevin Quiambao knocked down a floater coming off a Nelle assist to tie the game at 67
Xyrus Torres answered quickly to break the deadlock after a layup taking back the two-point advantage, 69-67.
Down by two, with five ticks left, Evan Nelle turned the ball over which led to a Xyrus Torres foul. Torres converted the two free throws to get to seal the game for the Tamaraws.
“I always just tell to the team play every possession, and that will give us a chance to stay close diba, tapos in the end kung su-swertehin edi maka-isa. So I think that’s what happened all throughout the game, we were just staying close,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
“Although, may mga turnovers kami during the game na kailangan namin i-improve yun ang kailangan — sa bilang ko mga nasa almost 30 yata turnovers namin eh. But ‘yun lang just to play each possesion, compete; then whatever happens, happens. Just stay close pag dating sa huli, if we have an opportunity then we go for the win, so ganon lang ‘yung sinasabi ko sa kanila palagi eh,” he added.
Patrick T’Chuente had a game-high with 19 points on 75-percent shooting together with nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
L-Jay Gonzales flirted with a triple-double finishing with 13 markers, nine boards, and nine assists; while Torres had eight points and six rebounds including his clutch layup and free throws in the end game.
For La Salle, Kevin Quiambao led the team with 13 points, four rebounds, and six assists coming off the bench. Mike Phillips had 10 markers, six boards, and five blocks including his rejection against Aeron Bagunu that forced the extra five minutes of the game.
This is La Salle’s first loss in the preseason cup.
FEU will be facing National University on Saturday. The game is scheduled at 5 PM, still at the same venue.
La Salle, on the other hand, will take the third place finish following Adamson University’s decision to not play the 3rd play match due to prior commitment.
The Scores:
FEU 71 — Tchuente 19, Gonzales 13, Alforque 10, Torres 8, Sajonia 6, Bagunu 5, Guibao 4, Sandagon 4, Tempra 2, Gravera 0, Celzo 0, Songcuya 0.
La Salle 67 — Quiambao 13, Austria 11, M. Phillips 10, Winston 9, Nwankwo 8, Nelle 6, B. Phillips 4, Manuel 4, Cortez 2, Escandor 0, Estacio 0, Macalalag 0, Buensalida 0.
Quarterscores: 9-16, 28-31, 42-46, 61-61, 71-67.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
