FEU’s Veejay Pre during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Far Eastern University fanned its Final Four hopes after dealing University of the East a second consecutive loss, 59-51, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Tamaraws tied Adamson in fifth place and moved just one game behind fourth-running University of Santo Tomas (5-6).
“This is what I felt we were going to be in the second round. This is the team I expect from us. We’ve been practicing so amazingly the last two weeks,” FEU coach Sean Chambers said.
READ: UAAP: FEU coach proud after wards battled through illness in loss
FEU coach Sean Chambers on their bounce back win. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ilXucBTZoP
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 3, 2024
Veejay Pre showed up once again for FEU with 20 points and eight rebounds less than a week after putting up a career-best 31 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to the Growling Tigers.
Jorick Bautista did not have the best shooting day but still produced 12 points, veteran Royce Alforque contributed nine points and eight rebounds while Mo Konateh pulled down 11 boards.
“I think the key is we got out strong, but we also just sustained the lead. So that’s also a bit of a challenge when it comes to the game,” Chambers said.
The Tamaraws had their way early, zooming to a 31-13 advantage in the second quarter and never looked back.
READ: UAAP: Veejay Pre posts career-high but not enough to lift FEU
Veejay Pre and Jorick Bautista on keeping their Final Four hopes alive. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/FYHXfEvxwh
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 3, 2024
Precious Momowei did the heavy lifting for UE, which dropped to 6-5, with 18 points, 21 rebounds and three steals while Rainer Maga added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Red Warriors loss also assured defending champion La Salle (10-1) of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
University of the Philippines (9-1) secures the other twice-to-beat incentive if it beats cellar-dweller National University in the second game.
FEU takes on La Salle next on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena while UE plays UST on Saturday at Araneta Coliseum.