By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws stay in contention for a Final Four spot after a defining 84-77 win against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, November 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Jedric Daa, Jorick Bautista, and Luke Felipe gave the Tamaraws an early offensive start by opening the game with quick baskets, 6-3. 

FEU’s scoring was led by Kirby Mongcopa during the first frame, delivering six markers to give the Tamaraws a six-point lead to end the first quarter, 22-15.

Entering the second canto, the green-and-gold team capitalized on the red-and-white squad’s faltering defense to register a mini 4-0 run, 24-15. 

The Morayta-based squad sustained their momentum with back-to-back triples from Bautista and Neil Owens despite Precious Momowei’s offensive push, 42-32. 

Off the halftime break, the Chambers-led team’s lead slowly narrowed during the third quarter, with Red Warriors Dray Caoile and Wello Lingolingo delivering two jumpers, 57-51.

Mongcopa and Janrey Pasaol quickly answered back with two-point layups each to maintain the team’s advantage entering the last quarter, 61-51.

During the three-minute mark in the final frame, FEU’s lead was threatened when UE’s DJ Robles delivered a layup that once again trimmed the Tamaraws’ lead to six, 76-70.

Heading into the final stretch of the game, Owens, with an assist from Bautista, delivered a beyond-the-arc shot that extended the Morayta-based squad’s lead to nine, 79-70.

FEU denied UE’s late scoring attempts, with Bautista’s free throws sealing the green-and-gold team’s victory, 84-77. 

During the post-game conference, Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers expressed his surprise for still having a chance for a spot in the Final Four despite being a young team in the league.

“Who would’ve thought, right? That we’re in a situation where we have the chance to make it to the Final Four with such a young, young team,” he expressed.

Chambers also shared his pride for the team’s consistent improvement over the last few games.

“Our progression is continuing to go that way at the right time of the year. I’m happy with the guys, I think we’re at where we need to be,” he added.

Player of the Game Mongcopa tallied a double-double performance with 14 markers and 10, while point guard Bautista ranked as the team’s top scorer with 17 points, followed closely by Mo Konateh with 15.

Meanwhile, Pasaol added 12 markers, with Owens chipping in 10 to round out FEU’s offensive showing.

With one more game in their hands, FEU, who currently holds a 6-7 win-loss card, looks to solidify their dreams for a spot in the Final Four against the University of Santo Tomas on November 26 at the same venue.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)