By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws ended their first round campaign in victorious fashion against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 95-76, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

To start the match, both FEU and UE went on a low-scoring seesaw affair with rookie Kirby Mongcopa's midrange tying the match at 9-9.

Fortunately, the Tamaraws came out on top to end the first frame after a Jorick Bautista three at the top of the key, 22-19.

Not even a minute in, the green-and-gold squad increased their lead to eight in the second frame through Jedric Daa's lay-up and Luke Felipe's three, 27-19.

To hold on to the lead, the Morayta-based cagers utilized the Recto-based cagers' turnovers, with one resulting in a Janrey Pasaol no-look alley-oop pass to Daa in transition, 42-34.

In keeping their heightened play, the Tamaraws were able to increase their lead to 13 courtesy of their fastbreak offense combined with gritty defense to end the first half, 52-39.

Entering the third canto, the Sean Chambers-led squad continued to pick off UE's defense through inside presence and perimeter offense, 62-46.

The Tamaraws' dominance continued as they dismantled the Red Warriors' defense through their exceptional ball movement that ballooned their lead to 20 to end the third quarter, 74-54.

To jumpstart their offense in the fourth frame, Konateh and Mongcopa's respective buckets gave FEU their biggest lead of the match of 25, 79-54.

However, the green-and-gold squad relaxed on defense, enabling the red-and-white squad to go on an 8-3 run courtesy of UE's Dylan Despi’s back-to-back buckets, 82-67.

Fortunately, the Chambers-led squad was able to pick up where they left off, dominating the Red Warriors on both ends of the floor up until the final buzzer, 95-76.

In the post-game press conference, Coach Sean commended both Pasaol and Bautista's standout performance throughout the match.

“We had a hard conversation yesterday, with him [Pasaol] and Jorick, and they took it like champs... they both took it, they saw it, and they responded tremendously,” Chambers said.

After ending the first round with a 19-point win, Chambers expressed great confidence in his team in the upcoming second round games.

“I expect things to be better, our bench is starting to get used to the season, Kirby's starting to get comfortable throughout the UAAP season, again, I fear no one,” Chambers said.

Bautista led the team in scoring with 22 points, while Pasaol posted an impressive double-double of 17 points and 10 assists.

Despite the rough first six games, FEU has ended the first round strong and now stands at a 2-5 win-loss record going into the second round of the men’s basketball tourney, yet to be announced as of writing.

(Photo By Melvin James Urubio / FEU Advocate)