Royce Alforque and Jorick Bautista stepped up in the clutch as Far Eastern University held off National University, 65-58, securing their second consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
This victory marks the first winning streak for first-year coach Sean Chambers, reflecting the growing chemistry among the Tamaraws.
They are boosted by the return of senior Cholo Añonuevo, who missed most of the first round due to injury.
“I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but as I said a couple of weeks back, this second round will be a lot different for us,” said Chambers as FEU improved to 3-6 overall.
He added, “We’re getting comfortable and acclimated. We’re understanding our goals and our game plans.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With the Bulldogs trailing by just one point, Alforque scored back-to-back layups to extend the Tamaraws’ lead to five with 1:19 left in the fourth quarter.
PJ Palacielo quickly responded for NU with a basket, but Bautista sealed the game.
His crucial step-back three-pointer with just 9.7 seconds remaining secured FEU’s third victory of the season.
The Tamaraws dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 21-10 to avenge their earlier 60-62 loss in the first round. This defeat dropped NU to last place with a 2-7 record.
Gambian center Mo Konateh continues to be a dominant force for the Tamaraws, contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.
Bautista supported him with 17 points, while Veejay Pre added 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Alforque rounded out the scoring with nine points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block.
“Instinct lang talaga. Si Jorick dinideny talaga, eh sa akin napupunta ‘yung bola, so talagang nag-isip na lang ako ng paraan,” Alforque explained regarding his crucial baskets.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Both teams will enjoy a long break, with NU returning to action on October 26 against the University of the East.
Meanwhile, FEU will face the University of Santo Tomas on October 27, both at the same bayside venue in Pasay.
Jolo Manansala led the Bulldogs with 11 points and four rebounds, while Palacielo contributed 10 points and six rebounds.
Jake Figueroa chipped in with nine points and 13 rebounds.
The Scores:
FEU 65 – Konateh 22, Bautista 17, Pre 12, Alforque 9, Montemayor 2, Pasaol 2, Ona 1, Anonuevo 0, Daa 0, Nakai 0.
NU 58 – Manansala 11, Palacielo 10, Figueroa 9, Garcia 8, Jumamoy 6, Francisco 5, Perciano 4, Parks 3, Enriquez 2, Yu 0, Padrones 0, Lim 0, Santiago 0, Dela Cruz 0, Tulabut 0.
Quarterscores: 10-12, 29-24, 44-48, 65-58.
