FEU’s Xyrus Torres shoots a jumper during a game against UE in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines—Xyrus Torres waxed hot early as Far Eastern University slumped out of a three-game slide and whipped University of the East, 88-74, in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Torres had 15 points in the first half built around five triples as the Tamaraws stormed to a 40-22 cushion on their way to a second win in five games.
“Much needed victory after a three-game losing streak,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela. “Back to the drawing board for us before facing (Adamson and UP).”
Torres, the former Batang Gilas sharpshooter, finished with a game-high 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field. He finished with eight triples from attempts (53.3%) and more than made up for the lackluster shooting of star rookie and fellow national team standout RJ Abarrientos.
Abarrientos finished with just two points in 21 minutes of action, missing 12 out of his 13 attempts just days removed from a 33-point performance that came with a loss.
Emmanuel Ojula also came up huge with 19 rebounds and 18 points for FEU, which was hardly threatened after running off to a 20-6 start in the game.
Kris Pagsanjan was the only player in double figures for UE, finishing with 23 points. But the Warriors guard needed 20 shots to get there, making just five field goals to highlight UE’s 32.4 percent performance from the floor.
The Warriors have now lost five straight games.