FEU Tamaraws head coach Nash Racela. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
DEFENDING UAAP champion Far Eastern U and NCAA powerhouse Arellano started their campaigns on a positive note even as Lyceum delivered the first upset at the expense of Mapua yesterday in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
Starting life without six players who starred in their UAAP title conquest last season, the Tamaraws unleashed a furious windup for a 77-64 victory over the San Sebastian Stags, while the Chiefs trounced the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 79-72, at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Pirates survived a strong game from reigning NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme in a 91-82 triumph over the Cardinals. Later, Perpetual Help spoiled Bo Perasol’s debut as University of the Philippines coach with a 73-61 decision, while giving new mentor Nick Omorogbe his first win.
Monbert Arong sparkled with 16 points, while Steve Holmqvist wound up with 11 points for the Tamaraws, who shot 9-of-16 in the final period to put away the Stags.
“We’re lucky we got the win because if we were playing teams like La Salle or Ateneo they would have taken advantage of that,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “We did well in the fourth with players hitting big shots and executing well. But that is expected because this is the pre-season.”
Jiovani Jalalon carried the Chiefs with 17 points while swingman Zach Nicholls finished with 10 points. Dioncee Holts and rookie Lervin Flores combined with Jalalon in steadying the Chiefs, whose 17-point lead was cut to 69-73 after an Igee King free throw with 3:04 remaining.
“We might have addressed our weakness in the rebounding area and improved ourselves individually but we have still a long way to go in terms of chemistry,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codinera, who fielded all 18 players listed in the roster to determine the depth of his squad.
The Generals shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over 23 times while missing 18 of 42 charity shots.
Laminou tallied 16 points and six rebounds while Sidney Onwubere contributed 12 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists for EAC.