Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Defending champion Far Eastern University held off Adamson University, 75-65, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws evened their record at 1-1 while also dealing the Falcons their first loss in two games.
Raymar Jose led FEU, which bounced back from an 83-78 loss to La Salle on Wednesday, with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
In a game where neither team made a dominating run, Tamaraws head coach Nash Racela credited his team’s defense in preventing Adamson from establishing any sort of momentum.
“It was our team defense, guys helped each other out, and we just put extra attention on their shooters especially Manalang and Ahanmisi,” said Racela.
Jerrick Ahanmisi finished with 19 points, but made just one 3-pointer after going 6-of-7 from long range in the Falcons’ 104-85 win over the University of the Philippines last Sunday, while Robbie Manalang, who had eight points, shot 2-of-6 from deep.
FEU transferee Axel Iñigo, who played for Adamson two seasons ago, and Richard Escoto carried the scoring load for the Tamaraws finishing with 13 points apiece.