“‹The Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ team defense proved sturdier in the end.
Forcing ballhandler Andrei Caracut to two big turnovers in the last 81 seconds, the Tamaraws went on to post a 68-61 stopping of the La Salle Green Archers yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Arvin Tolentino banged in 13 points for the Tamaraws, who went on to keep up with early leaders University of the Philippines and National University in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Ken Tuffin had 11 points, while Alejandro Inigo shot 10. The pair of Wendell Comboy and Alec Stockton added nine piece.
Hubert Cani only had seven, with his jump shot off Kib Montalbo in the last two minutes making a big difference as FEU took a six-point cushion, 62-56.
As La Salle made efforts to stay in the thick of the fight, Caracut turned the ball over twice in his efforts to find an opening inside a tight shaded lane in the last 48 seconds.
But the absence from the team’s rotation of La Salle big man, Fil-New Zealand cager Taane Samue for most of the game after the second quarter because of a foot injury, finally took its toll on the Green Archers’ finishing efforts. Taane got hurt two weeks before the opening.
From there, FEU kept possession and maintained its six-point lead, 64-58, in the final 22.1 seconds off Inigo’s two freebies.
“I liked how my players stuck to the game plan and kept their discipline. Because, I know eventually, our offense will come,” said Tams’ coach Olsen Racela, who recalled how they lost badly to La Salle, 90-95, with big man Ben Mbala around.
The contest was tied six times, before Caracut shattered a 52-all tie and put the La Salle in front with two charities in the last 5:25.
But two treys from Tuffin and Tolentino swung things back in FEU’s favor, 58-56, with 3:26 left.
Leonardo Santillan led La Salle with 19 points, while Aljun Melecio and Caracut made 11 and points.
La Salle coach Louie Gonzalez said the team will be working on its effort to close out games successfully next time, adding he is aware of how badly FEU wanted to bounce back from their losses to them last season.”‹