FEU beats Ateneo to start the second round of UAAP 88
Games on Saturday
(Mall of Asian Arena)
7:30 a.m. – UE vs DLSU (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UST vs ADU (16U)
11:30 a.m. – ADU vs UE (Women)
1:30 p.m. – ADU vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UST (Men)
7 p.m. – DLSU vs UST (Women)
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY (FEU) dealt Ateneo de Manila University its fourth straight loss, 75-68, to start the second round on a high note in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jorrick Bautista salvaged the FEU Tamaraws with back-to-back triples in the final minute, ensuring no repeat of history after faltering in an 86-83 overtime defeat to the same team in the first round.
It’s the second straight win for FEU to climb to 3-5 for a fighting chance to the Final Four as the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ free fall continued to 4-4 at fifth place after an unbeaten start. Adamson University, at 3-4, sits between the two squads, in the race to the top.
“We had a meeting with Jorick (Bautista) and Janrey (Pasaol) and talked about the expectations that I know are high and can sometimes be unfair, but they’re so talented and therefore needed to lead by example,” said coach Sean Chambers.
“These last two games, they have been like what I’ve envisioned — being the best two guards in the league.”
Mr. Bautista fired eight of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than the dagger triple in the last 27 seconds to give Tamaraws a 73-68 cushion.
Kirby Mongcopa chalked up 16 points and nine rebounds, Mo Konateh had 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks while Janrey Pasaol added the same output with 13 assists, five rebounds and two steals to quarterback the Tamaraws’ onslaught.
FEU, on the heels of a 95-76 domination of the winless University of the East to end the first round in style, picked up from where it left off and went toe-to-toe with the Blue Eagles all duel long.
No team managed to build a double-digit lead until FEU’s late-game avalanche, turning a 63-67 deficit capped by Mr. Bautista’s triple in the 1:19 mark for a sudden 70-67 lead.
Dom Escobar split his charities the next possession, rolling the red carpet for Mr. Bautista’s another long bomb off Mr. Pasaol’s play as Mr. Konateh iced the deal with two freebies for the final count.
Mr. Escobar and Waki Espina led with 15 and 12 points, respectively, for Ateneo but to no avail.
Ace floor general Jared Bahay bled for just three points in his return from a shoulder injury he suffered in their 98-89 triple overtime loss to University of Santo Tomas at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Nigerian anchor Divine Adili still sat out owing to back injury, adding to the piling woes of the Blue Eagles now outside the top four after a torrid start in the first round atop of the standings.
In women’s basketball, vengeful Santo Tomas (7-0) completed a first-round wipeout with a 75-61 win over University of the Philippines (2-5).
Brigette Santos fired 26 points to spearhead the Growling Tigresses’ first sweep since 2011, shoring up their redemption tour after losing to the throne to the National U Bulldogs in Season 87. — John Bryan Ulanday
The scores:
FEU 75 – Bautista 20, Mongcopa 16, Pasaol 15, Konateh 15, Ona 4, Salangsang 3, Felipe 2, Owens 0, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0, Jones 0.
Ateneo 68 – Escobar 15, Espina 12, Tuano 9, Lazo 8, Espinosa 6, Fjellvang 5, Ladi 4, Lazaro 4, Bahay 3, Bongo 2, Ong 0.
Quarterscores: 17-20, 37-37, 55-54, 75-68
