THE Far Eastern University Tamaraws added to the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers’ list of misfortunes this season.
UST played without two key players and FEU took advantage to post a 96-70 win, one of the season’s biggest blowouts in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Ken Tuffin played above par his norm of 7.8 points, making 14 as he led the Tams past the still winless Tigers (0-9).
The Growling Tigers missed one of their top scorers in Jordan Sta. Ana, who hurt his right shoulder during practice, and big man Steve Akomo, who was sick with the flu.
“It’s just too bad for UST. Wala iyung top two players nila. I kept reminding the players na iyung losses ng UST were very close games. Siguro sinuwerte lang kami wala sila. It’s a good win for us,” said Tams’ coach Nash Racela.
Arvin Tolentino, back from a one-game suspension after he was penalized for his unsportsmanlike behavior during the Tams’ game with Adamson, added 13 points for FEU, which earned its fifth win in nine games.
The Tams’ 26-point victory is considered as the second biggest winning margin this season.
It also put them ahead of the Adamson Falcons at third spot.
Interestingly, UST also experienced the season’s biggest blowout loss at 29 points, an 86-115 setback to La Salle last Sept. 30.
The Tigers were forced to commit 23 turnovers, 14 coming in the first half when FEU moved away, 29-16, and with Jasper Parker canning in seven of his 10 points in the opening 10 minutes.
Tolentino’s driving shot with 6:05 left allowed FEU to move up by 30, 66-36 and later taste their biggest edge of 66-30, with 7:27 left in the third.
FEU, which also recorded a season-high 27 assists, also drew nine points from Jasper Parker.