THIS time around the Far Eastern University Tamaraws had a better start.
The Tamaraws took control of the game right the first quarter as they went on to clobber the University of the East Warriors, 90-83, yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Big man Prince Orizu did better than when the Tams took on the defending champion La Salle Green Archers and lost. This handed the Tams their first win in two games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
Orizu struck with his second double double for the season, and a higher output of 15 points and 16 rebounds, way better than the last time.
He scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds when FEU took a 90-95 setback to La Salle last Sunday.
The 6’10” Orizu scattered 10 points in the first period as FEU took a 17-5 lead in the last 4:42.
Ron Dennison led with 16 points, including seven in the first 10 minutes as FEU went on to grab a 16-point edge, 30-14.
Coach Olsen Racela felt they lost to La Salle with a bad start in the first quarter, but this time, Orizu’s defensive stops underneath made the difference.
“Buti na lang, nandito ang anchor ng defense namin. We were giving away too many penetrations in defense. Buti na lang, nandoon si Prince. Sinalo lahat ng duma-drive na kalaban,” said Racela.
With Orizu presenting an imposing presence underneath, the Tams forced the Warriors to give up the ball at least nine times in the second half.
And that’s before Orizu fouled out in the last 4:40, with FEU ahead, 86-74.
Clark Derigue showed the way with 22 points for UE, which fell to its second straight loss.
Games Saturday
(at the Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. La Salle vs NU
4 p.m. Adamson vs UST