FAR Eastern University rolled on to the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup playoffs with a win, clipping Jose Rizal University, 66-53, on Friday.
Royce Alforque seized the opportunity as the rookie fired 14 points and three rebounds as the Tamaraws ended the eliminations with a 5-2 record.
Hubert Cani also collected 12 points, while Daniel Celzo had nine in the victory.
Despite the win, FEU is already locked in as the four-seed in Group B as it will now take on Group A leader San Beda in the quarterfinals.
But for coach Olsen Racela, it's another chance for his young wards to improve its game ahead of the UAAP season.
“For us, there’s no such thing as a no-bearing game, especially for a young team like FEU where we lost 6 of our veterans. Every game for us is an opportunity to get better," he said.
The Tamaraws broke away in the third frame, limiting the Heavy Bombers to just nine points in the period to grab a 49-39 lead entering the payoff period.
Agem Miranda topped the Heavy Bombers with 14 points and four assists, while neophyte John Amores had 10 points and three rebounds.
JRU bowed out of the summer tourney with a 1-6 record. Andrew Mencias
The scores:
FEU 66 -- Alforque 14, Cani 12, Celzo 9, Nunag 6, Gloria 5, Tchuente 4, Eboña 4, Dulatre 3, Torres 2, Stockton 2, Tuffin 2, Casino 2, Tempra 1, Comboy 0, Mantua 0, Roman 0.
JRU 53 -- Miranda 14, Amores 10, Dionisio 8, Delos Santos 4, Dela Virgen 3, Vasquez 3, Bordon 3, Steinl 2, Jungco 2, Abaoag 2, Aguilar 2, Dela Rosa 0, Arenal 0, Dulalia 0, Aguado 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 31-30, 49-39, 66-53.
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