FEU notches .500 mark in Filoil at Adamson’s expense

FEU’s Mike Tolomia (right) breezes past Adamson’s JR Gumtan. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University (FEU) charged to the .500 plateau in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup as it held off Adamson University, 80-68, Saturday at San Juan Arena.

From a 38-27 hole in the first half, the Tamaraws ramped it up in the second, trampling the Falcons to the ground as they owned the last two quarters with a 53-30 scoring margin.

Tamaraws head coach Nash Racela said it was their defense that carried them in the second half and not as much as their offense.

“From the very beginning, we focused on defense and made it our priority,” Racela said as his Tamaraws improved to a 3-3 standing in Group A.

FEU stormed to a 12-4 run in the fourth with Monbert Arong making good in the break, cashing in on an open layup to give the Tamaraws a 71-62 edge with 5:40 remaining in the game.

Then the Tamaraws switched their defensive strategies from man-to-man defense to a fullcourt press, then shifted it once more to trap.

Racela said his team is learning to transition from one defensive style to another in preparation for the UAAP.

“It’s something we are learning right now, I think it will be a weapon for us for the UAAP season,” Racela said. “We might have a depth this season which gives me the luxury to press on defense.”

Arong led the Tamaraws with 25 points and two steals while Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy added a combined 23 points.

Papi Sarr had a team-high 21 points for the 2-5 Adamson. IDL