Far Eastern University propelled itself to the quarterfinals, surviving Emilio Aguinaldo College with a come-from-behind 69-64 victory Friday in the 2015 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Tamaraws had to hold fort and keep the Generals at bay as they missed Roger Pogoy, who was taken back to the dugout area after hitting the stanchion on a rebound play midway in the first quarter.
Still, coach Nash Racela was glad with the efforts shown by his players.
“That happens. You lose some players, so it’s important the other guys should step forward,” he said. “It’s a little bit hard for the other players because they had to play out of their position.”
Monbert Arong and Ron Dennison led FEU (5-3) with 12 points apiece, as Raymar Jose just missed out on a double-double with his nine markers and 12 boards.
Hamadou Laminou paced EAC (1-7) with 23 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
FEU 69 – Arong 12, Dennison 12, Jose 9, Orizu 9, Bienes 8, Comboy 5, Trinidad 4, 3, Pogoy 2, Delos Santos 2, Denila 2, Ugsang 1, Inigo 0, Holmqvist 0, Roxas 0, Tamsi 0.
EAC 64 – Laminou 23, Onwubere 19, Pascua 9, Pascual 4, General 3, Morada 3, Corilla 2, Mbang 2, Estacio 0, Mejos 0.
Quarters: 10-15, 25-35, 46-48, 69-64.