FEU tests its mini-run against powerhouse Ateneo

After stunning Adamson last Sunday, Far Eastern U tries to bring down another giant in UAAP Season 81 on Wednesday when it clashes with Ateneo at Mall of Asia Arena.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Tamaraws looking to forge a tie at second with the Eagles who sport a 5-1 card, their lone defeat coming at the hands of the Falcons.

The Tamaraws enter the duel in fine form with victories over the Falcons and the National U Bulldogs over the past week.

The two-game winning streak saw the emergence of Wendel Comboy as FEU’s top gun, taking over in crunch time with big shots against NU and neutralizing Sean Manganti late against Adamson.

Comboy has characterized the consistency that coach Olsen Racela has been looking for from the Tamaraws, whose two losses have come from two teams at the lower rungs of the standings—University of Santo Tomas and University of the East.

“Our approach to every game has to be the same regardless of how strong the teams we will be facing,” said Racela, whose faith in Comboy getting repaid.

“Coach told me to really focus on defense and my offense will come,” said the 6-foot guard, who was also named Player of the Week.

The Eagles, whose last two victories were in blowout fashion against La Salle and UST, are gunning for a sixth straight win to close out the first round. But they’ll be facing the Tamaraws, who are seeking to exact revenge after losing to the Eagles in the Final Four last season.

University of the Philippines shoots for a third straight win against UST in the 2 p.m. first game.

The Fighting Maroons have been rejuvenated with Bright Akhuetie and Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano in splendid form, leading the charge in the 89-88 victory against the Bulldogs last Sunday.

UST ended a three-game slide against UE last Saturday, but the Tigers will miss Steve Akomo for another game following concussion he suffered against Adamson, which has prompted the league to study the possibility of adopting a concussion protocol.