FEU’s Raymar Jose. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University got the better of University of Santo Tomas, 79-72, in a rematch of last year’s finalists Saturday in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws joined National University and Ateneo at second spot with identical 4-2 cards, while the Growling Tigers are at 2-4.
Coming off a tight victory over University of the Philippines where the Tamaraws just barely eclipsed the 50-point mark, the reigning titlists toiled to get a better offensive output in the face of UST’s tough defense.
“I felt UST played us tough on the defensive end,” said FEU head coach Nash Racela. “The challenge was to score more than 51 points which was our output against UP.”
Louie Vigil made back-to-back baskets for UST in a bid to give the Growling Tigers a glimmer of hope, 71-64, but Raymar Jose was quick to dispel any comeback when he converted a three-point play to put FEU up 74-64 with 2:32 left.
Jojo Trinidad led FEU with 17 points, a season-high, including five three-points while Jose finished with a 16-point, 10-rebound night.
Vigil led UST with 16 points while Marvin Lee had 13 points and six rebounds.
The Scores
FEU 79 – Trinidad 17, Jose 16, Arong 11, Orizu 9, Bayquin 5, Holmqvist 4, Denila 4, Tuffin 3, Ebona 3, Nunag 3, Roxas 3, Comboy 1, Bienes 0
UST 72 – Vigil 16, Lee 13, Basibas 11, Sheriff 8, Subido 7, Macasaet 6, Faundo 6, Huang 3, Lao 2, Tateishi 0, Caunan 0, Afoakwah 0, De Guzman 0
Quarters: 22-14, 42-29, 65-50, 79-72