Eagles clinch bonus

With a masterful defensive performance against the second-best team in the league, defending champion Ateneo clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, while Far Eastern U stayed in the thick of the fight for playoff berths in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.

Big man Isaac Go played his best game of the season and the Blue Eagles held the Adamson Falcons to a season-low output at the half and coasted to a 62-48 victory on Sunday to avenge one of their two losses in the first round at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

Go, who has seen his production drop following the emergence of Ange Kouame, summoned his fiery form with 12 points as he joined forces with Anton Asistio and Thirdy Ravena in the Eagles’ third quarter breakaway.

Arvin Tolentino rediscovered his shooting touch and Ken Tuffin found his groove from beyond the arc as FEU snapped a four-game slide at the expense of University of the East, 80-61, to tie University of the Philippines in fourth spot.

Tolentino, who missed three games due to suspension, pumped in 18 points, while Tuffin finished with 17 for the Tamaraws, who improved to 6-6.

“For us, it’s a new lease on life,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela. “It’s our first win in the second round and we’re hoping to get the next games to keep our playoff hopes alive.”