Far Eastern University earned its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament with a gritty 64-58 triumph over Adamson University on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Janrey Pasaol, trusted by head coach Sean Chambers, delivered in the clutch as he buried a huge corner triple that stopped the Falcons’ furious rally from 11 points down, giving the Tamaraws a crucial two-possession cushion, 64-58, with 1:33 left.
FEU then managed the clock well, as Adamson could only attempt two shots in the final stretch—missing both.
“We’re grateful that God put us in this place to be an example of resilience because we could have easily feel pretty down about ourselves but what I like about my guys was after the disappointing loss to La Salle, we actually worked even harder,” said Chambers.
Earlier, the Tamaraws built a fresh eight-point lead, 61-53, with 3:02 to go, but Adamson fought back.
Mathew Montebon nailed a triple and then executed a smooth pick-and-roll with Cedrick Manzano to trim the gap to 58-61 with 1:49 remaining.
The Tamaraws, however, held firm to finally snap their three-game skid and climb to 1-3, tying the Soaring Falcons at sixth place.
Both teams are ahead of winless University of the East.
Gambian center Mo Konateh was dominant, posting 18 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a monster outing.
Rookie Kirby Mongcopa also shined with 15 points and five rebounds, while Pasaol added 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
They carried the load for FEU as top gunner Jorick Bautista was limited to just two points.
“Syempre laking pasasalamat ko talaga kay coach Sean kasi sa kanya ko lang naranasan whole career ko na ganoong kumpyansa ‘yung binibigay sa akin ba. Sa practice pa lang tinutumbasan ko na talaga ‘yung tiwala niya,” said Pasaol, who drilled the dagger triple in crunch time.
(“Of course, I’m really thankful to Coach Sean because he’s the only one in my whole career who’s given me that much confidence. Even in practice, I make sure to repay the trust he gives me.”)
FEU will try to sustain its momentum when it faces defending champion University of the Philippines next Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Montebon was the lone bright spot for Adamson with 14 points and seven rebounds. Eli Erolon chipped in nine points but shot just 3-of-12 from the field.
Manzano was limited to only three points on three attempts while adding four rebounds and committing three turnovers in nearly 20 minutes of play.
The Soaring Falcons, now on a two-game skid, will try to bounce back when they take on National University on Wednesday, still at the MOA Arena.
The Scores:
FEU (64) – Konateh 18, Mongcopa 15, Pasaol 13, Owens 9, Daa 5, Bautista 2, Felipe 2, Macapagal 0, Ona 0, Montemayor 0, Jones 0, Bagunu 0, Salangsang 0.
AdU (58) – Montebon 14, Erolon 9, Anabo 8, Perez 8, Ojarikre 5, Torres 3, Manzano 3, Medina 2, Fransman 2, A. Ronzone 2, Jaymalin 2, C. Ronzone 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0, Demisana 0, Tumaneng 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 31-31, 52-45, 64-58
