By MARK REY MONTEJO
Far Eastern University relied on its balanced offense and rallied past Ateneo, 65-54, to keep its UAAP playoff contention alive in the Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at theSmart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 8.
The Tamaraws proved that their first round 66-65 win was not a fluke as they stepped on the gas in the fourth quarter for a sizable 59-45 margin which the Blue Eagles couldn’t overcome despite their 9-2 counter.
FEU climbed up in the standings as it holds a 5-8 card – just one game behind UST (6-7) and half ahead of Adamson 4-7.
Meanwhile, Ateneo is already eliminated with a 3-9 win-loss record — for the first time since 2013 or in Season 76.
Janrey Pasaol dazzled for the Recto-based squad after firing 14 points on top of seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Mo Konateh also had a monstrous 21 rebounds along with 11 points.
For Ateneo, Ian Espinosa, who got hurt in the second half, topscored with 14 points while Jared Bahay and Kristian Ported chalked nine and eight points, respectively.
Tigers hold off Warriors
University of Santo Tomas strengthened its bid for a Final Four spot after shrugging off University of the East, 76-67.
Nic Cabañero came out sizzling with 27 points along with eight rebounds as the Growling Tigers maintained their strong grip of the fourth spot with a 6-7 record.
The victory also slammed the door on the Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-9) who will miss the semifinals for the first time in 11 years.
Gelo Cristostomo chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds for UST.
Down by as many as 27 points in the first half, the Red Warriors showed signs of life in the fourth quarter but had to endure the ejection of Precious Momowei who was slapped with his second unsportsmanlike foul in the game.
UE absorbed its third straight loss for a 6-6 record which is still good for third place.
