Far Eastern University kept its Final Four hopes alive while pushing Ateneo de Manila University to the brink of elimination, securing a 65-54 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Tamaraws improved their record to 5-8 with one game remaining in the elimination round – a crucial match against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With some games postponed, FEU currently holds solo fifth place. It is ahead of Adamson University, which has a 4-7 record from just 11 games; and behind University of Santo Tomas – which was playing University of the East as of publishing time – with a 5-7 record.
“I’m so proud of these guys. Last game, I’ve been pretty tough on them in practice… and their response has been amazing. They are just so good kids, they’re disciplined, and they want to win,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The third quarter proved to be the difference, as the Tamaraws outscored the Blue Eagles 21-13.
The scoring surge was highlighted by five three-pointers from Jorick Bautista, Janrey Pasaol, Veejay Pre, and Rojan Montemayor. The three turned a narrow 33-29 lead into a comfortable 54-42 advantage that they successfully maintained in the fourth quarter.
Pasaol led FEU with a career-high 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals, while Montemayor added 13 points, including three triples.
“Pasalamat ako kay Coach Sean kasi galing ako ng juniors, si Coach Sean, kinakausap niya si Coach Allan (Albano) about sa disiplina namin sa mga simpleng box out,” said Pasaol, an FEU-Diliman product.
“Doon ko pa rin ini-earn ‘yung minutes ko para sa kanya kasi every missed box-out, labas ako kaagad sa kanya eh.”
Gambian center Mo Konateh also contributed with 11 points and 21 rebounds, while Bautista bounced back from a scoreless game against De La Salle University. He added eight points, six rebounds, and three assists despite committing seven turnovers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After the loss, Ateneo dropped to 3-9, and is now in danger of missing the Final Four for the first time since Season 76 (2013).
The Blue Eagles have never missed the semifinals in head coach Tab Baldwin’s seven seasons with the team.
Ian Espinosa was the lone Blue Eagle to reach double digits, scoring 14 points and dishing out six assists. Jared Bahay added nine points.
Ateneo’s leaders, Chris Koon and Joshua Lazaro, were limited to just five and four points, respectively, shooting a combined 2-of-17 from the field.
The Blue Eagles’ next game will be on Wednesday against the UE Red Warriors at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
FEU 65 – Pasaol 14, Montemayor 13, Konateh 11, Bautista 8, Alforque 8, Pre 5, Daa 4, Bagunu 2, Nakai 0, Ona 0.
Ateneo 54 – Espinosa 14, Bahay 9, Porter 8, Ong 7, Koon 5, Lazaro 4, Tuano 4, Quitevis 3, Bongo 0, Balogun 0, Espina 0, Edu 0, Gamber 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 33-29, 54-42, 65-54
