Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) – The Far Eastern University Tamaraws unleashed their might in the UAAP Season 84 opening game after dominating the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 76-51, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas cadet RJ Abarrientos showed he is the future of the proud FEU basketball program as he finished with 18 points in his debut college game.
Bryan Sajonia added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Olsen Racela-mentored Tamaraws.
FEU has been solid from the start of the ball game as they converted their shots and limited UST in getting the baskets they wanted.
The Tamaraws’ lead further swelled in halftime with a 29-point advantage that solidified their chances of breaking away from the game.
In the second half, the Growling Tigers failed to mount impactful scoring runs as Abarrientos took care of the business in maintaining their wide lead until the final buzzer.
UST star rookie Joshua Fontanilla also had a rousing debut in the collegiate level with 19 points, while Nic Cabañero chimed in 12 points. Highly touted first year player Jordi Gomez De Liano settled for only three points in the contest.
FEU will battle Ateneo De Manila University on Tuesday at 1 p.m., while UST will tangle with rival University of the Philippines at 7 p.m. on the same day.
The Scores:
FEU 76 – Abarrientos 18, Sajonia 12, Ojuola 8, Gravera 6, Coquia 6, Li 5, Bienes 4, Anonuevo 4, Sleat 3, Alforque 2, Dulatre 2, Sandagon 2, Celzo 2, Torres 2, Tempra 0.
UST 51 – Fontanilla 19, Cabanero 12, Concepcion 7, Gomez de Liano 3, Santos 3, Manalang 3, Ando 2, Manaytay 2, Garing 0, Pangilinan 0, Herrera 0, Canoy 0, Sumudio 0.
Quarterscores: 22-9, 47-18, 60-35, 76-51
