By MARK REY MONTEJO
Far Eastern University wasted a 23-point first-half burst but recovered just in time to beat semifinal-bound University of Santo Tomas, 81-79, and keep its own Final Four bid alive in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Determined to continue their impressive run, the Tamaraws used a balanced scoring to dominate the first two quarters that saw them taking a 43-20 cushion, a lead they gallantly protected despite UST’s repeated rallied.
FEU supporters and even those in the bench appeared nervous when the Espana-based squad pulled to within 79-80.
Though FEU’s Borick Bautista managed only to split his charities it was enough to seal the win as the 3-point shot by UST’s Mark Llemit from way, way beyond the 3-point arc missed the target.
Aside from avenging its 92-80 loss to UST for its third straight win, FEU improved to 7-7 and it could continue its campaign via a playoff if La Salle (7-6) loses to Ateneo (6-7) later tonight.
If La Salle wins that game, it would join early qualifiers National University, defending champion University of the Philippines and UST.
The España-based squad, meanwhile, settled for an 8-6 card at third and will challenge reigning champion University of the Philippines (10-4) in the semifinals.
“We showed what we’re capable of playing in the first half,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers. “I’m really proud of this team, these guys, with the efforts they put here.”
“Syempre masaya, alam namin kung pano kami nagsimula… sino ba magaakala na na magiging 7-7 kami kahit na nagsimula kami sa sa 2-5. Nagbunga na ‘yong pinaghirapan namin” Janrey Pasaol added.
Mo Konateh finished in double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds along with one assist, and three blocks, while Bautista registered 15 points, three rebounds, and five assists for FEU.
Luke Felipe led the second stringers offensively with 15 points, while guard Pasaol chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals. Rookie Kirby Mongcopa also had a double-double off 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Gelo Crisostomo paced UST with 28 points, six rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and four steals, while Nic Cabañero added 17 points. Collins Akowe struggled offensively with nine points in a losing effort.
