FAR Eastern University overwhelmed Ateneo, 9-0, to gain qualification in the UAAP Season 80 juniors’ football championship match yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kieth Absalon and Gio Pabualan netted braces, while Andrei Sabrejon, Pete Forrosuelo, John Angelo Reoyan, Nikko Caytor and Viejay Frigillano also scored for the Baby Tamaraws.
Gunning for a record eighth crown, FEU-Diliman solidified its hold on the lead with 19 points.
National University kept its Finals hopes alive with a 2-1 nipping of University of Santo Tomas.
Khenn Francis Taala found the back of the net in the 38th minute which turned out to to be the Bullpups’ winning moment.
NU, a tournament debutant, wrapped up its elimination-round stint with 16 points, three clear of idle De La Salle-Zobel.
With a huge goal differential advantage over the Bullpups, the Junior Archers need to beat the Baby Tamaraws in the final elims matchday at 8 a.m. on Sunday at the same Malate venue to claim the other title match berth.
A draw or a loss will eliminate Ds La Salle-Zobel and will give NU the opportunity to face FEU-Diliman in the Finals slated on Feb. 3.
Robert Lawrence Wilson opened scoring for the Bullpups in the seventh minute before the Tiger Cubs equalized courtesy of Rojim Catap’s 38th minute strike.
UST stayed at four points while Ateneo is still without a point to show.