Far Eastern University ended its UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on a good note, downing Nic Cabañero-less University of Santo Tomas, 77-62, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Just when the Growling Tigers pulled to within seven after trailing by 14 in the early parts of the fourth, the Tamaraws uncorked one run that finished the match.
Bryan Sajonia, Xyrus Torres, and Patrick Tchuente all chipped in to turn a tight 60-53 lead to a comfortable 72-53 advantage with three minutes left on the clock.
“I told them yesterday in practice yung situation namin today is really something different because we did not make the Final Four,” said Tamaraws coach Olsen Racela.
“Sanay kami na may post-season but I told them we could also do something different, in the past five years we always finish with a loss..matapos naman yung season with a win,” he added.
L-jay Gonzales had 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals for FEU.
Sajonia added 11 points and four steals, while Torres got 10 points. Sleat chimed in nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The Tamaraws, who will only lose Ximone Sandagon to graduation, finished the season at 5-9 at sixth while the Growling Tigers received their 12th straight loss at 1-12.
Ivan Lazarte paced the Growling Tigers with 13 points while Christian Manaytay produced 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Adama Faye had 10 points and 18 rebounds but committed eight turnovers. Cabañero did not play due to an ankle injury he incurred in their game against the University of the Philippines.
UST will end its campaign on Wednesday against Final Four hopeful De La Salle University at 2 pm.