By Joshua Kyle Beltran

With no games dropped so far, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws defeated the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, 89-76, in the National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour earlier today, April 25, at the University of the Philippines Varsity Training Center in Quezon City.

To start the match, Jorick Bautista chipped in eight out of FEU’s 10 points in the first five minutes, 10-8.

Despite Arellano’s pressure defense, the Tamaraws capitalized on a slim three-point cushion off Mo Konateh’s board to end the first quarter, 22-19.

Off the bench, Rojan Montemayor went on a personal 7-2 blitz to lift their lead to eleven, 37-26.

In a heated second frame, the green-and-gold squad eventually built a comfortable 17-marker difference, 53-36.

Fresh from halftime, Kirby Mongcopa drained a triple at the 65-43 mark.

Even with countless fouls, the Morayta cagers still maintained their double-digit lead to end the third canto, 74-60.

Despite an early lay by Janrey Pasaol to start the fourth quarter, 76-62, FEU struggled to convert their second-chance baskets.

With their lead threatened, it was not long until the Tamaraws found themselves at a 10-point difference, 82-72. 

The green-and-gold squad eventually snagged the 89-76 win after Arellano faltered on open looks beyond the arc. 

Bolstering double-doubles were Konateh with 22 points and 25 rebounds, together with Mongcopa’s 20 markers and 16 boards. Bautista also chipped in a hefty 18 points.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers spoke with pride on the team’s display of plays while still emphasizing how the tourney remains their training ground.

“We’re just kind of working it out. I’m really proud of the guys, all the returners — they know the system, we know what we can get into, they had their run. Like every good team will, we’ll still continue to show some composure down the stretch,” he said.

With a perfect 3-0 win-loss card, FEU awaits their competitors in the round of 16 for the playoff bracket starting May 2, at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Gymnasium in Las Piñas City. 

(Photo by Prince Espela/FEU Advocate)