By Joaquin Luis E. Quesada

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws asserted their dominance over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 109-65, to secure at least a playoff spot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 men’s basketball tournament last May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws buried the Tigers in the first half with their efficient shooting of 45% from the field to give them a comfortable 15-point lead, 49-34. 

The Morayta dribblers punished UST on both ends of the floor in the third quarter, outscoring them 35-13. FEU created a 37-point cushion entering the final frame, 84-47.

“We shot really well, especially in the second half. We defended better in the third quarter that’s why we pulled away. Ang mindset namin (Our mindset) now is we need one more win to enter the Final Four,” FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela said after the win.

FEU’s Bryan Sajonia shot the lights out with 27 points and drained 7 threes in an efficient 10/14 shooting from the field. RJ Abarrientos tallied an almost all-around game with 11 points, nine rebounds, six dimes, and two steals.

With this big win, FEU now sports a 7-7 win-loss record and they are at the fourth seed as of writing. The results from the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers and National University (NU) Bulldogs will determine if there will be a playoff between the Bulldogs and Tamaraws or the Morayta side gets the fourth seed for good if NU does lose.

(Photo courtesy of Juan Pablo Parian/FEU Advocate)