Photo by Tristan Tamayo
Flying V surged ahead in the payoff period and dealt Far Eastern University a 78-68 thumping in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Eric Salamat carried the Thunder with 22 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals as the team weathered the absences of key players Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres.
“Defensively, we had a good job. Our shots went in especially in the fourth,” said Flying V coach Eric Altamirano, who was ecstatic after Flying V’s stupendous showing.
Gab Banal had 17 markers built on three triples, to go with four boards and two assists, while Oda Tampus came off the bench and added 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Aris Dionisio got a double-double of 10 markers and 10 boards in the win.
Altamirano was pleased with how the players stepped up, especially in the fourth when the Tamaraws knotted the score at 56.
“I’m glad that the bench stepped up and they were challenged without our key players,” he said, as Flying V went on a 9-0 blast to bring the lead back up to nine, 65-56 and go on cruise control late.
“They took it upon themselves to win this game and to make it up for our last game.”
Ron Dennison led FEU with 23 points and five rebounds, Jeff Ramirez had 10 markers, and Prince Orizu got eight points, 12 boards, and two blocks.
However, their efforts still weren’t enough as coach Olsen Racela suffered his first defeat at the Tamaraws’ helm.
The scores:
FLYING V 78 – Salamat 22, Banal 17, Tampus 11, Dionisio 10, Ongteco 6, Hubalde 4, Colina 4, Thiele 2, Sinco 2, Webb 0.
FEU 68 – Dennison 23, Ramirez 10, Orizu 8, Bienes 6, Parker 6, Tolentino 4, Cani 4, Tuffin 3, Nunag 2, Ebona 2, Escoto 0, Bayquin 0, Denila 0, Stockton 0.
Quarters: 18-21, 37-31, 54-52, 78-68.