Tamaraws regain solo 4th, oust Red Warriors

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University momentarily gained solo fourth place after brushing off University of the East, 79-63, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum

The Tamaraws improved to 6-6 but will still wait for the result of the game between University of the Philippines and Adamson University to determine if they will keep sole possession of the fourth seed.

The Red Warriors fell out of Final Four contention after dropping to 3-10.

FEU and UE were at a standstill after the third quarter tied at 49, but the Tamaraws found their groove in the fourth with Arvin Tolentino capping off a 21-8 scoring stretch with a four-point play with 3:27 left in the game.

Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela said their game against the Red Warriors was a crucial one for the team, which came into the game having lost its last two outings and is in a tight race for the fourth spot.

“Well after that loss to UP [University of the Philippines] we really needed this win,” said Racela. “Actually, we need more wins in our remaining games but this is a good confidence-booster for us going into the homestretch.”

Jasper Parker orchestrated for FEU finishing with 18 points and eight assists while Prince Orizu towed the Tamaraws inside with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Tolentino, who’s celebrating his 22nd birthday, finished with 10 points and seven rebounds off the FEU bench.

Alvin Pasaol led UE with 18 points and seven boards while Mark Olayon added 14 points and six assists.