FEU Tamaraws’ Janrey Pasaol during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against Ateneo Blue Eagles. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Final Four hopeful Far Eastern University climbed up the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament standings after repeating over Ateneo, 65-54, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m so proud of these guys. Like I said, last game. I’ve been pretty tough on them in practice [I told them], I’m hard on you with discipline because I love you. If I don’t love you, I won’t discipline you because I want the best for you,” FEU coach Sean Chambers said.
“Their response has been amazing. Basically, they’re just good kids. They’re disciplined. And they wanna win … at the end of the day, they kept fighting,” Chambers added.
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The Tamaraws rose to the No. 5 spot after improving to a 5-7 card. Janrey Pasaol came up with a career high 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Rojan Montemayor showed up with a breakthrough performance of 13 points.
Mo Konateh had another all-around performance with 11 points and 21 rebounds for FEU to sweep its elimination matchups against the Blue Eagles.
“I’m thankful to Coach Sean because I came from the juniors, and Coach Sean talks to Coach Allan (Albano) about our discipline, like in simple things like boxing out. I’m still earning my minutes with him because every time I miss a box out, he pulls me out right away,” Pasaol said.
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“I feel lucky to be here with the FEU team. I’m just making the most of what I have. I worked hard, and that’s it. Day by day, I’m adjusting to the system under a coach who is very detail-oriented. I became more prepared and professional in what I do. Every time I’m on the court, I give my best. I owe a lot to my teammates too, because they’re always pushing me,” Montemayor said.
The Tamaraws started taking control of the game in the third period courtesy of a 21-13 outing by FEU that included five three-pointers made by Jorick Bautista, Pasaol, Veejay Pre and Montemayor.
Ateneo managed to cut the deficit by nine points but the Tamaraws took care of their advantage and never looked back.
FEU is closely breathing on the neck of University of Santo Tomas, which is battling No. 3 University of the East at press time. The Growling Tigers are vulnerable in their fourth spot with a 5-6 standing.
If Santo Tomas falls prey to the Red Warriors, the Tigers still maintain their position despite having similar records with the Tams by virtue of their head-to-head matches.
The Blue Eagles, who slid the standings with a 3-9 record despite the 14 points of Ian Espinosa, will miss the Final Four for the first time since 2013 if UST wins.
The Tamaraws have a tall order to end the eliminations against No. 2 University of the Philippines on Nov. 16 at FilOil EcoOil Centre. Ateneo still has last two assignments in Ateneo on Nov. 16 and Adamson.