The Far Eastern University was able to do just enough to pull away from the National University, 90-83, to claim solo fourth in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws improved to a 3-2 card with the help of Arvin Tolentino, who scored his career-high 23 points and six rebounds.
After a close first half, Tolentino boosted the Tamaraws stretch their lead to 15 points in the third quarter, 70-55, after scoring eight points including a triple. Jasper Parker made six straight points for FEU midway in the fourth quarter to keep a 12-point lead, 84-72.
Jayjay Alejandro sparked a 7-0 run for NU and a basket by Nico Abatayo cut the Tamaraws’ lead to five, 86-81, with two minutes left in the game.
However, a layup by Tolentino over the outstretched arm of Issa Gaye sealed the win for the Tamaraws.
“It was a hard fought win,” said Coach Olsen Racela. “However, compared to our past games, we played more consistently in this game. We didn’t start slow and na-sustain namin yun for 40 minutes.”
FEU sent the Bulldogs to fifth place with a 2-3 card.
Axel Inigo added 12 points, while Barkley Ebona added 10 points and seven rebounds for FEU.
Meanwhile, Alejandro finished with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Matthew Aquino added 13 points in the defeat.
