UAAP: FEU finally finds its offense to turn back Adamson

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University found the target for the first time this season and took it out on Adamson University, 83-71, in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws, who had their highest-scoring game this season, tied the Soaring Falcons and De La Salle at the fourth seed with 3-4 records.

Xyrus Torres drilled back-to-back three-pointers and LJ Gonzales followed it up with a layup to give FEU a pivotal 68-52 lead in the third on a 13-2 run.

FEU averaged 60.2 points a game during its first six games, the lowest in the tournament, and team consultant Nash Racela said their 83-point performance was the product of the players’ confidence in themselves.

“Coach Olsen [Racela] reminded them to always be confident with their shots and they didn’t hesitate today,” said Racela. “All we wanted was win our last game in the first round.”

The Tamaraws also shot the ball at a 40 percent clip or 26-of-65, a far cry from their 19 percent shooting, 15-of-79, in their 61-39 loss against National University.

“The players delivered. It wasn’t easy to come back from our previous loss when we shot 19 percent and now we more than doubled that percentage.”

Pat Tchuente flexed his strength and led FEU with 21 points, 19 rebounds, and six blocks all of which were career-highs for him. Torres also had 21 points while shooting 6-of-16 from the field.

Val Chauca had 14 points and seven boards to lead the Soaring Falcons.