Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Far Eastern University Tamaraws lived up to their pre-season billing as the team to beat in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 after dismantling the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 88-64, on Sunday (September 6) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Roger Pogoy led the charge for FEU with 19 points, while Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo also came up big with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Raymar Jose added 16 markers.
The Tamaraws simply did everything right from start to finish, showcasing their depth and well-oiled system.
King Eagle Kiefer Ravena tried to take over and will the Katipunan-based side back into the game, but for everything he did, FEU seems to have had an answer.
Even his 14 points in the third period could not prevent his team from heading into the final period with a 64-49 deficit.
FEU continued to wax hot in the payoff period and eventually wrapped up an easy 88-64 victory.
Despite the one-sided result, FEU head coach Nash Racela said he isn’t happy with his team defensively.
“Our objective on defense was to limit touches of Kiefer Ravena,” said Racela. “So I don’t think we were successful defensively, so kailangan pa magtrabaho ang mga ‘to sa depensa.”
Ravena still managed to put up 25 points, six assists, and five rebounds for Ateneo.
The opposite was true for the offense though, which was on song for FEU from start to finish.
“If you score 88 points in 40 minutes, its good enough,” he said.
The Tamaraws will face the University of Santo Tomas Tigers on Wednesday (September 9), while Ravena and the Blue Eagles will seek to redeem themselves against Adamson on Saturday (September 12).
