The Far Eastern University Tamaraws officially punched their ticket to the Final Four after nailing their ninth win of the season at the expense of the hapless University of the East Red Warriors, 25-19, 25-17, 29-27, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
FEU stay in a lock with defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in second place with identical 9-2 records.
Needing to win all their remaining matches to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage, FEU head coach Rey Diaz is keeping his wards motivated regardless of their opponent’s record.
“‘Yung galaw ng mga players is dire-diretso. Good indication sa mga bata na focused sila to reach ‘yung objective namin. Sana ma-maintain namin na nasa hanggang top two kami hanggang dulo,” said Diaz, who steered the Tamaraws to a third place finish last year.
FEU showed tremendous efficiency, giving up just 12 errors, compared to UE’s 22. The league’s best blocking team also tallied eight rejections, stifling UE’s offense for much of the match.
Every Tamaraw got a chance to play against UE, with veteran Redijohn Paler leading the way with 13 points. Peter Quiel managed 10 markers.
Clifford Inoferio topped the Warriors with 16 points while Geric Ortega managed 10.
FEU take a long break before facing the Adamson University Soaring Falcons (4-6) on April 8 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UE (0-11) next play on April 8, taking on the league-leading National University Bulldogs (9-1).
The Scores
FEU (3) – Paler 13, Quiel 10, Bugaoan 8, Hadlacon 7, Garcia 6, Solis 6, Bautista 3, Salabsab 2, Barrica 1, Suarez 1, Dablo 0, Silang 0, Detalban (L), Marmeto (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 16, Ortega 10, Aljas 6, Patacsil 5, Adriano 2, Imperial 2, Alba 1, Balquierda 1, Benitez (L)
