By NIKOLE JAVIER
Far Eastern University survived De La Salle in a defensive clash with a 57-53 victory to extend its winning run to four games in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Xyrus Torres and Ljay Gonzales combined for 22 points in the low-scoring affair to help lift the Tamaraws to a 4-5 win-loss record after struggling in the first part of the tournament.
Up by eight in the third frame, the Tamaraws couldn’t protect the lead from the Green Archers, who relied on the foul line to pull themselves within one.
Ben Phillips then unwrapped the fourth period with a layup which saw La Salle lead for the first time in the match before Penny Estancio drained two of his free throws, 48-45.
With the FEU side up by six in the final minute of the contest, Cyrus Austria pulled up for a triple to cut La Salle’s deficit by three, 53-56, with 31.9 left.
But Bryan Sajonia came up with a crucial steal for the Tamaraws to take away the Archers’ chances of forcing overtime.
“I feel for coach Derrick and his boys. starting unit wala eh. But sinuwerte kami because of that siuation La Salle is in. But a win is a win. Kilangan naman ng pabalo ngayon eh, we’ll take it. Grinding out wins help with the team’s character,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
Kevin Quiambao finished with 12 points apart from eight rebounds and four assists as the lone bright for La Salle which absorbed a 3-5 record to fall to the seventh spot.
The Scores:
FEU 57 -- Torres 12, Gonales 10, Sajonia 9, Anonuevo 6, Sleat 6, Bautista 6, Tchuente 5, Bagunu 2, Sandagon 1, Alforque 0, Tempra 0, Celzo 0.
LA SALLE 53 -- Quiambao 12, Nwankwo 8, Austria 8, Estacio 8, Buensalida 5, Nonoy 4, Abadam 3, Macalalag 2, B. Phillips 2, Manuel 1, Escandor 0.
Quarters: 16-13, 33-27, 44-43, 57-53.