FEU TAMARAWS SHUT OFF ALEJANDRO’S 31 POINTS CAREER GAME
By Maxine Louise Lagman
5 October 2016
J-JAY Alejandro almost led his team to taste another victory, but the Far Eastern University (FEU) made a comeback in the last minute and capped of the game, 78-75 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws became too comfortable with their 13-point lead in the game, they almost forgot that the National University (NU) was no team to be taken softly. FEU finished the third period with a nine-point lead, when unexpectedly Alejandro exploded for the Bulldogs in the start of the fourth.
Alejandro shone on the offensive end and scored 17 points in the fourth period and tied the game at 71 with an 18-5 run. However, Richard Escoto and Ron Dennison hit back-to-back crucial baskets in return, and placed FEU on top of the game once again, 75-71.
With a minute left on the clock, Alfred Aroga’s two traveling violations hurt the Bulldogs’ chance of winning the game, as FEU continued to put baskets and capped of the game with a win.
“There are things that we need to improve on, like more mental toughness,” said FEU Coach Nash Racela after the game.
FEU grabbed solo second place in the UAAP Basketball tournament with a 5-2 record behind La Salle’s 7-0 in the standing.
“We’re now within target. I think lahat ng teams, that’s the target, to get wins para maka-advance later. But it’s only the first round,” added Racela.
Monbert Arong led the Tamaraws with 20 points. Wendelino Comboy added 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while Alejandrino Inigo exploded four perfect three’s, finishing with 12 points. Richard Escoto also showed off a good performance with 10 points.
J-jay Alejandro’s career-high 31 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals led the Bulldogs. NU Coach Eric Altamirano said that he already expected that kind of game from Alejandro, but hopes that other players would step up as well.
The two teams will face off once again in the arena, as the first game for the second round of the UAAP tournament.
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