FEU stomps UST, secures at least playoff spot (Sabong News)
Author
Carlo Anolin
Date
MAY 01 2022
Far Eastern University secured at least a playoff for the last Final Four slot with a 109-65 routing of University of Santo Tomas at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Sunday, May 1.
The Tamaraws, who climbed to a 7-7 record, proved to be too much for the Growling Tigers and led by as many 15 points at halftime, 49-34.
FEU stepped on the gas in the third quarter en route to a commanding 37-point gap heading into the payoff period.
Bryan Sajonia had a breakout game with 27 points on a 10-of-14 shooting built on seven triples for the Tamaraws.
A win by National University (6-7) against De La Salle (8-5), battling each other at press time, would lead to the Bulldogs and the Tamaraws facing each other for the last Final Four berth.
A loss for NU, however, would easily give FEU the last ticket to the postseason.
Despite the blowout victory, FEU head coach Olsen Racela is already bracing for the next possible match against NU.
“We shot really well especially in the second half,” said Racela. “We defended better in the third quarter, that’s why we pulled away. Ang mindset namin now is we need one more win to enter the Final Four.”
RJ Abarrientos had an all-around performance with 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists while Royce Alforque and Ljay Gonzales scored 10 points apiece and combined for 13 assists and nine rebounds.
Nic Cabañero tallied 16 points and Joshua Fontanilla had 13 points for the already ran Tigers, who sustained a six-game skid and finished the season with a 3-11 record.
FEU’s victory also eliminated Adamson (6-8) despite winning against the hapless University of the East (0-14) earlier, 65-53.
