Jorick Bautista took charge in overtime as Far Eastern University narrowly survived an onslaught from Ateneo de Manila University, escaping with a 66-65 victory — their first — in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With his team’s backs against the wall, Bautista delivered a clutch performance, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the decisive fourth quarter and overtime.
This victory was particularly significant for the Tamaraws, as it marked their first win in Sean Chambers’ inaugural season as head coach.
After enduring five consecutive losses to Adamson University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University, this win was a much-needed morale booster.
Furthermore, it represented FEU’s third straight victory over the Blue Eagles, following a sweep of Ateneo in the elimination round of Season 86.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“From years to come, pretty soon every team is going to have a hard time with us, because they’re going to get comfortable and my boys will get situated to my system, the triangle and all that,” Chambers said.
The game reached its climax in the extra period after Kris Porter opened with a three-pointer for Ateneo.
However, FEU quickly responded with a 12-3 run, fueled by Bautista’s impressive performance, which included two long jumpers.
This surge gave the Tamaraws a slim six-point lead at 63-56 with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
Despite the late-game pressure, Ateneo attempted a comeback. A split at the free-throw line by JR Pasaol and a three-pointer from Porter narrowed the gap.
However, Gambian center Mo Konateh came through for FEU with two clutch free throws to seal the win.
Chambers noted the Tams’ progress: “I think that the expectations put on them right now, we got to make sure that it’s fair because we knew it was going to take some time. They’re learning my system, and I’m learning the system of the UAAP.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Bautista’s batchmate Royce Alforque contributed significantly with 12 points and five assists.
Konateh delivered a solid performance as well, posting a double-double with 10 points and 18 rebounds.
Rookie standouts Pasaol and Veejay Pre also made their presence felt, each adding 10 points to the Tamaraws’ total with the latter also grabbing 10 boards.
Looking ahead, FEU aims to build on this momentum when they face the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, October 5, at the same Cubao venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, team captain Chris Koon led the Blue Eagles in their loss with 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Bahay also had a commendable outing, finishing with 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
Meanwhile, Porter struggled offensively, finishing with 11 points on a 3-of-14 shooting clip. Despite his shooting woes, he contributed defensively with nine rebounds, one steal, and one block.
The Blue Eagles will be looking to bounce back against a red-hot University of the East squad, which is riding a three-game winning streak, on Wednesday, October 2.
The Scores:
FEU 66 – Bautista 18, Alforque 12, Konateh 10, Pasaol 10, Pre 10, Montemayor 4, Daa 2, Ona 0, Nakai 0, Bagunu 0, Jones 0.
Ateneo 65 – Koon 12, Bahay 11, Porter 11, Quitevis 9, Tuano 6, Lazaro 6, Gamber 6, Espinosa 3, Balogun 1, Bongo 0, Ong 0, Espina 0.
Quarterscores: 19-14, 27-32, 40-41, 51-51, 66-65
