Tams back on warpath; Archers crush Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern got back on track while new-look La Salle stormed to its second straight win as the Tams and Archers joined idle Ateneo at No. 2 in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre yesterday.

Determined to atone for their shocking 74-76 loss to the UST Tigers last time, the Tams vented their ire on a University of the Philippines side that suited up without suspended coach Bo Perasol, 89-73, to go 2-1 while the Archers notched the same record after nipping the University of the East Warriors, 82-72, in the other contest.

“Good bounce-back for us. It had to take a game like that against UST for us to really play things possession by possession,” said FEU mentor Olsen Racela.” I think it was a defensive game for us, our offense was just a bonus. Good job by everyone, players stuck to our game plan.”

FEU got off to an 8-0 start to set the tone for the runaway win, which put it a victory behind unbeaten leader Adamson (3-0).

Prinze Orizu (15), Arvin Tolentino (13), Wendell Comboy (12), Axel Inigo (11) and Jasper Parker (11) led a balanced scoring attack for the hot shooting Tams (33-of-63 or 52.38 percent), who dealt the Maroons their second consecutive setback for 1-2 overall.

“The 8-0 (run to start the game) was an effect of our defense,” said Racela. “We also got UP on an off night, limiting them to 73 points. Again, Maganda ang naging execution especially on defense.”

Brothers Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano paced UP with 15 and 13, respectively, as gunner Paul Desiderio and import Bright Akhuetie managed 10 and nine, respectively.

Justine Baltazar banged in 16 markers on top of 14 rebounds and had three blocks and Aljun Melecio rifled in five triples in a 16-point performance as the Archers followed up their 80-76 disposal of National U for a two-game roll following their 61-68 opening loss to Far Eastern.

“Before the game, I told them it will be a great opportunity for us because parehas kami. All Filipino ng UE, both of us are rebuilding, so let us learn from this one,” said DLSU coach Louie Gonzalez, who got solid games from newbies like Encho Serrano (11 markers, four rebounds) and Mark Dyke (five points, four boards). 

Alvin Pasaol topscored for UE (0-3) with 22, making 17 of them in the fourth where the Warriors mounted a furious fightback but just fell short.

The scores

First Game

FEU 89 – Orizu 15, Tolentino 13, Comboy 12, Inigo 11, Parker 11, Cani 8, Ebona 8, Tuffin 5, Stockton 3, Gonzales 2, Escoto 1, Bayquin 0.

UP 73 – Ja. Gomez de Liano 15, Ju. Gomez de Liano 13, Manzo 11, Desiderio 10, Akhuetie 9, Prado 8, Vito 3, Lim 2, Murrell 2, Dario 0, Gozum 0, Jaboneta 0, Spencer 0, Tungcab 0.

Quarterscores: 25-13, 49-35, 69-46, 89-73.

Second Game

DLSU 82 – Baltazar 16, Melecio 16, Serrano 11, Go 10, Caracut 9, Santillan 6, Dyke 5, Bates 3, Corteza 2, Manuel 2, Montalbo 2, Capacio 0.

UE 72 – Pasaol 22, Varilla 14, Manalang 11, Bartolome 6, Maloles 5, Cullar 4, Gallardo 4, Acuno 2, Lacap 2, Strait 2, Antiporda 0, Beltran 0, Guion 0.

Quarterscores: 21-14, 39-27, 59-45, 82-72.