SEAN Chambers was upbeat about Far Eastern University's position despite being tied at the bottom of the standings of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
In his eyes, despite their struggles to conjure a win, he likes where the Tamaraws are right now - this young, yet this dangerous.
Adamson learned that the hard way, as FEU got one back with a 76-72 overtime victory to start the second round on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
More tricks up Jorick's sleeve
Like in the Morayta crew's first win, it was Jorick Bautista who once again set the table, scoring nine of his 21 points in the extra five minutes, including the game-sealing freebies with 3.5 seconds left.
But his big three with 14.8 ticks left in regulation salvaged the game for the Tamaraws, who lost grip of a 50-42 advantage early in the fourth.
These heroics enabled FEU to be the first to spring surprises as it moved up to 2-6, fulfilling the role of spoilers which Chambers envisioned it to be.
“We’re like four and a half months into this journey and we’re starting to see the light with our schemes. And I feel like our guys are getting there and getting there and getting there and I’m just so proud of them,” said the first-year coach.
Aside from Bautista, Gambian center Mo Konateh was also instrumental in the victory with another mammoth 26-rebound outing to pair with 13 points and four blocks.
Veejay Pre added 10 points and seven boards, while Royce Alforque got eight points in FEU’s second conquest which – coincidentally, once again came in overtime.
It’s a bitter loss for Adamson, which stumbled to its third straight loss to fall to 3-5 despite the efforts of Mathew Montebon, who still fought hard and kept his side fighting in extra time before winding up with 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Cedrick Manzano fouling out early in overtime gravely hurt the Soaring Falcons. as he had to watch from the bench after putting up 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three dimes.
The Scores:
FEU 76 – Bautista 21, Konateh 13, Pre 10, Alforque 9, Montemayor 8, Pasaol 8, Anonuevo 3, Daa 3, Ona 1, Nakai 0, Jones 0.
ADAMSON 72 – Montebon 16, Fransman 11, Manzano 10, Calisay 10, Ojarikre 9, Yerro 4, Erolon 3, Mantua 3, Alexander 3, Anabo 3, Barasi 0, Ramos 0.\
Quarters: 6-14, 29-25, 44-40, 58-58, 76-72.
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