SAN JUAN City – Far Eastern University continued to lord it over Group B at the resumption of the 12th FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Tamaraws held off the late surge by Jose Rizal University to prevail, 87-85, and remain undefeated at 3-0.
FEU was coasting to the win when suddenly MJ de la Virgen and Darius Estrella combined to put the Heavy Bombers to within two points, 85-87, and 31 seconds left. A failed Tamaraw offensive gave JRU a major chance but de la Virgen muffed his triple attempt at the buzzer.
“I wanted the players to learn so that’s why I did not call a timeout,” explained FEU coach Olsen Racela. “We have to improve our defense and JRU made too many threes.”
The trio of Hubert Cani, Joseph Nunag and Brandrey Bienes hit 13 points each well spread throughout the game. Jasper Parker provided support with 12 points and four assists.
Rookie Ry de la Rosa hit four triples for 18 points in the first half but was held scoreless in the second half allowing FEU to pull away. Jonathan Jed Mendoza was next with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.
How They Scored:
FAR EASTERN (87) – Nunag 13, Cani 13, Bienes 13, Parker 12, Tuffin 11, Ebona 7, Tolentino 6, Tempra 2, Inigo 2, Dulatre 2, Ramirez 2, Escoto 2, Jopia 2, Bayquin 0, Stockton 0, Orizu 0.
JOSE RIZAL (85) – de la Rosa 18, Mendoza 17, de la Virgen 14, Ramos 13, Estrella 11, Bordon 6, Silvarez 4, Dulalia 2, Perez 0, Yu 0, Esguerra 0.
Period Scores: 28-27, 52-53, 72-68, 87-85.
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