Tamaraws rising
Last season, Sean Chambers touted the improvement of Far Eastern University, which continued to make noise in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament. The Tamaraws, however, labored to get to an even record and eventually missed out on a Final Four appearance.
In Season 89, they’re in far better shape to crack the semifinal circle.
FEU trounced University of the East, 94-83, on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum to grab a share of third and fourth places and improve its slate to 6-4.
“Clearly, we’re happy with where we’re at compared to last year,” Chambers said.
“Last year, at this time, we were struggling to even get to 7-7, so I told them that we should be very happy to get to be in this situation because now, we hold our destiny,” added the former PBA star import.
Winless warriors
FEU sent UE packing, dropping the Warriors to a 0-10 record and extending their run of futility in the country’s premier collegiate varsity league.
The Tamaraws were trailing the Warriors by a point in the second quarter before Jorick Bautista nailed a triple that capped a 15-4 run, allowing them to take command, 49-39.
UE rallied in the second half, but FEU kept finding answers.
The Tamaraws scored a season sweep of the Warriors, although Wednesday’s encounter was a lot tougher than their 93-70 win in the first round.
But as Chambers said, FEU is in a much better position right now.
The host school is just a game behind second-running National U (7-3) and just two games off streaking leader University of the Philippines, which notched its eighth win in 10 games after an 82-70 rout of scrappy Adamson.
Six straight
The Maroons notched a sixth straight victory and continue to march toward their season goal.
“This week, coach Goldwin (Monteverde) made sure that our focus is really towards our goal, which is to get into the Final Four and, God willing, get back to the championship,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.
James Payosing led the Maroons with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Rey Remogat chipped in 12. Dikachi Udodo had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“When it comes to the game, we have to be connected with the coaches. Inside the court, it’s just up to us to execute and how to grind it out,” said Payosing.
Matty Erolon led Adamson (4-6) with 20 points.
Jorick Bautista led FEU with 18 points and four rebounds, while Mo Konateh delivered 15 points and 19 rebounds. Kirby Mongcopa contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while rookie Elias Gish added 13 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
FEU will try to strengthen its semifinal bid on Sunday when it faces struggling University of Santo Tomas at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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