FEU slams depleted Adamson, forces Final Four playoff vs La Salle

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University extended its stay in the competition after an absolute beating of second seed Adamson University, 82-56, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws finished their eliminations campaign with an 8-6 record to force a playoff with De La Salle, also at 8-6, for the last Final Four slot.

Adamson, which already secured tne No. 2 seed and twice-to-beat advantage prior to the game, played without stars Sean Manganti and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

FEU started off hot building a 14-0 lead at the start of the game after Wendell Comboy’s triple and that was practically the foundation the Tamaraws leaned on throughout the match.

The Tamarawas would eventually take a 34-point lead, 70-36, after RJ Ramirez’ three-pointer with 54 seconds left in the third quarter.

“We’re finally getting the breaks here in the second round,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela whose team is on a three-game winning run heading into its playoff with La Salle on Wednesday.

“We still have one game to play to make it to the Final Four and we’re thankful for that opportunity.”

Wendell Comboy top billed for the Tamaraws with 11 points and four rebounds while Arvin Tolentino added 10 points and five rebounds.

The Tamaraws didn’t just put a powerful display in the offensive end, converting on 12 of their 19 three-point attempts, but they also clamped down on the Soaring Falcons who looked confused without Ahanmisi and Manganti.

Adamson shot the ball at a poor rate at 29.7 percent, 19-of-64, while also getting outrebounded 46-34.

Jerom Lastimosa picked up the slack for the Falcons with 11 points and four boards.