FAR Eastern University notched its ninth straight victory on Wednesday when the Tamaraws trounced Adamson, 82-69, in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
By improving its league-best record to 10-1 (win-loss), the Tamaraws clinched at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The Tamaraws were hardly threatened by the Falcons but can expect a tougher outing against in-form University of Santo Tomas in a marquee match-up on November 7.
Russel Escoto had 13 points while Raymar Jose added 12 points and seven rebounds in another balanced scoring attack for the Tamaraws.
“We are close to peaking,” said FEU coach Nash Racela as his team moved one win away from formally claiming the Final Four incentive. “I hope we peak at the right time.”
Jerome Garcia had 16 points while Joseph Nalos chipped in 15 points, but the Falcons only got four points and eight rebounds from Papi Sarr, who had 23 points and 14 rebounds in their stunning win over De La Salle.
“We are satisfied because we were able to execute our defensive game plan on Sarr. Kay Sarr lang, because I think sa iba, parang hindi kami successful,” said Racela.
Adamson was able to cut the deficit to 68-64 in the fourth quarter but a big FEU finishing kick sent the Falcons crashing to their 10th loss in 12 games.
The scores:
FEU (82) — Ru. Escoto 13, Jose 12, Belo 10, Pogoy 9, Tolomia 9, Arong 7, Inigo 7, Orizu 7, Ri. Escoto 4, K. Holmqvist 2, Trinidad 2, Comboy 0, Dennison 0, Ebona 0, S. Holmqvist 0, Tamsi 0.
Adamson (69) — J. Garcia 16, Nalos 15, Bernardo 10, Tungcab 10, Polican 6, Sarr 4, Villanueva 3, Capote 2, Ochea 2, C. Garcia 1, Camacho 0, Escalambre 0, Fernandez 0, Margallo 0.
Quarterscores: 23-18, 43-33, 66-50, 82-69.
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