By Joaquin Luis E. Quesada

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws kept their Final Four hopes at arm's length as they bulldozed the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 91-61, in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 men’s basketball last April 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws scorched the Red Warriors right from the get-go as they created a comfortable 27-point lead at halftime, 53-26.

The Morayta dribblers’ lead would eventually balloon up to 39 points in the second half, 91-52, courtesy of a layup by Patrick Sleat. However, the Red Warriors rallied a 0-nine run in the late game.

FEU was efficient all throughout the game, shooting 56% on the perimeter and 43% from beyond the arc.

“For a coach, it’s always refreshing to have your players shoot that well. Ayun ang kailangan namin ngayon (That is what we need right now), us really gaining the confidence that we need going into the crucial stage of the tournament,” FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela

Bryan Sajonia led the Tamaraws with 17 points on five triples, Xyrus Torres chipped in with 15 points shooting four threes on eight attempts.

Patrick Sleat almost stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, grabbing seven boards, dishing out five assists, and five steals. LJay Gonzales made his presence felt with 10 points and seven assists.

With this win, FEU has now tied once again with the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons at the fourth spot, both sporting 5-6 win-loss cards.

Their next opponent is the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers on Tuesday, April 26 at the same venue.

“One game at a time pa rin kami, I'm sure 'yun din ang focus ng Adamson at NU. Ang focus namin ngayon ay La Salle (We still approach this one game at a time, I’m sure this is also the focus of both Adamson and NU. Our focus now would be La Salle),” coach Racela said.

(Photo by Andrea Joy Gonzales)