FEU back on winning streak, trounces struggling UST
By Maxine Louise Lagman
15 October 2017
The Far Eastern University snapped a two-game losing skid after handing University of Santo Tomas its ninth straight loss with a 96-70 win in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
With the win, FEU improved to a 5-4 card, while UST remains at last place and is one loss away from being eliminated from the Final Four race.
FEU was off to a hot start after grabbing an early 26-point first half lead, 53-27, and led by as much as 36 points in the third period, 66-30, as Axel Inigo led the Tamaraws to a 13-3 run.
The Tamaraws also tallied a season-high 27 assists, compared to the Growling Tigers’ 12, and shot 52 percent from the field, which ultimately boosted the squad to a better game play inside the court and finish the game with a flourish.
“Maganda ang shooting namin today and more than that, I like our unselfishness,” said Racela.
“It’s too bad for UST, wala yung top players nila. I kept reminding the boys na yung mga losses ng UST, although 0-8, they were close games.”
UST continued to bleed after playing without top two players, Jordan Sta. Ana and Steve Akomo. Sta. Ana, who injured his right shoulder during practice, have been a key player after averaging 13.9 points and 4.4 assists per game, while Akomo, who’s suffering from the flu, averages 10.4 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
Team captain Ken Tuffin led FEU with 14 points off the bench, while Arvin Tolentino chipped in 13 points, five rebounds and three steals off the bench after his one-game suspension.
Jasper Parker also added 10 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Wendell De Guzman led the Growling Tigers with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, along with Jeepy Faundo, who tallied another double-double record of 17 points and 13 rebounds.
