By Joshua Kyle Beltran

In their first game back to collegiate ball, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws made quick work of the St. Clare College Saints, 72-48, in the National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour earlier today, April 11, at the San Beda University RC Gym in Manila City.

Built on Mo Konateh’s dominance in the paint, Jorick Bautista delivered five points off a triple and a lay to kickstart FEU’s offense, 15-5.

Despite a late triple by St. Clare’s Josef Bojorcelo, the Tamaraws built a hefty 14-point gap in the first quarter, 22-8. 

Into the second canto, the green-and-gold squad’s lead was briefly tested following one of many Vincent Escobido treys, 32-20.

Sure enough, this prompted a Luke Felipe three via no-look pass from Pasaol, 35-20.

With their defense in full swing, the Morayta cagers still led by 12, 38-26.

Bautista wasted no time with a triple to start the third frame, 41-26.

Shortly after, Mongcopa, Adam Nakai, Montell Shelton, Jedric Daa, and Felipe joined forces for a 12-2 blitz, 56-33.

Despite a late 9-0 run from St. Clare in the final quarter, 58-44, the green-and-gold cagers held their ground to win by 24 points, 72-48.

Back like they never left, Konateh posted a double-double with 15 markers and 11 rebounds, while Mongcopa and Bautista followed with 14 and 13 points, respectively. 

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers mentioned how he wants to push the team while keeping them in optimal condition before University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 89.

“I’m trying to figure out the right balance, how hard we wanna push together this time and how much attention to detail we need to be down in at this point because it’s a long preseason. I don’t wanna burn [the] guys out, I wanna make sure we're hungry at the end of the year,” he said.

Returning to the hardcourt after months, Chambers also emphasized the need to get back in shape despite a good game.

“For the most part, I thought we did good stuff, we executed some of our sets that we run. We need to be in better shape, no doubt about it,” he shared.

Clinching their first win, the green-and-gold squad look to build a winning streak against the Letran Knights next Saturday, April 18, at the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)