Early lead at stake for UAAP opening weekend winners

FEU Tamaraws’ Mike Tolomia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

As fearsome as Far Eastern University looked, team star Mac Belo knows the bigger challenge for the Tamaraws is how to sustain their sharp form.

“We have to work extra hard,” said the ever efficient Belo after the Tamaraws’ big opening win over Ateneo last Sunday.

So expect the Tamaraws to come out charging again versus University of Santo Tomas as the two squads fight for a 2-0 start at 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

La Salle and University of the Philippines, the two other opening-weekend winners, also target a share of the early lead at 2 p.m.

“I think we carried over one of our strengths last year,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “We had 17 assists [versus Ateneo]. In this team, that’s always the emphasis—keep on sharing the ball, make good decisions.”

Looking ruthless all game, the Tamaraws demolished the Blue Eagles by 24 points, 88-64, behind the big games of Belo, Roger Pogoy, Mike Tolomia and Raymar Jose.

The quartet combined for 68 points, four more than the total production of the Eagles.

The Tamaraws hope to be ready against the Tigers, who turned back Adamson, 70-64, behind Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag.

The Green Archers also aim to follow up on their huge triumph over National University, 67-63, where Jeron Teng starred along with Jason Perkins, Prince Rivero and rookie Andrei Caracut.

Teng, though, doesn’t see the Archers’ win over the defending champions as a statement game.

“It doesn’t prove anything yet,” said Teng. “We’re going to continue to learn every game. We still have a lot to work on and improve.”

The Archers face a similarly motivated Maroons, the long-time tailenders who picked up a win right on opening day versus University of the East, 62-55.

“UP will be the same defensive team,” said new coach Rensy Bajar. “We expect to play more matured in the coming games.” Jasmine W. Payo