UAAP: Comboy takes charge as FEU beats La Salle

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University turned to Wendell Comboy late to put away De La Salle, 66-55, in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

With the game still up in the air, Comboy scored five answered points to stretch the Tamaraws’ lead to 11, 64-53, with 1:35 remaining.

Cameroonian center Patrick Tchuente also came up big with 19 points and 11 rebounds for FEU, which hiked its record to 2-2 while dealing La Salle its third loss in four games.

“I’m just proud of the way we played today coming off that loss to Ateneo. It just shows the competition this season is so balanced. All the teams are capable of winning at any given moment, at any given time,” FEU head coach Olsen Racela said.

“I’m just happy with the way we responded today especially coming off that loss against Ateneo.”

The Tamaraws, who led by as much as 16, rebounded from a 63-46 blowout loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles four days ago.

The Green Archers leaned on rookie Jamie Malonzo to stay within reach in the fourth quarter. A triple by Malonzo pulled them within six before Comboy went on his personal 5-0 spurt.

Malonzo recorded game-highs of 20 points and 15 rebounds.