Red-hot Tamaraws seek solo No. 1 vs Warriors

Mike Tolomia looks to lead the Tamaraws anew. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University may look fearsome, but Tamaraws coach Nash Racela noted how a fearless rookie has also been leading University of the East in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

The Tamaraws, who ripped three opponents by an average of 19.6 points, shoot for their fourth win and the solo lead against the surprising Warriors at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Warriors, who stand in the middle of the pack at 2-2, unveiled a prized catch in Bonbon Batiller in their previous match, an 89-78 victory over Adamson.

“It’s going to be tough against UE with the way they extend their defense and attack the basket, especially with Batiller, walang takot (no fear),” said Racela.

National U also goes for back-to-back wins at 4 p.m. against an Adamson side playing minus suspended coach Mike Fermin.

“You cannot take them lightly,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano as Fermin serves a one-game ban following his ejection in the Falcons’ loss to La Salle last Sunday.

The Bulldogs finally scored a breakthrough triumph over University of Santo Tomas, 55-54, in Saturday’s thriller after a rough 0-3 start to their title defense.

For the Tamaraws, confidence doesn’t seem to be a problem as they are in a three-way tie on top at 3-1 with idle Ateneo and UST.

“We’ve been working very hard,” said center Raymar Jose. With a report from Jun Veloira