MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws earn their second straight win against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 90-83, on Wednesday, September 27 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Coming off a win against the UST Growling Tigers, the Tamaraws were looking for the momentum to break away from the 2-2 tie in the standings with Adamson and NU. 

The Tamaraws shot more attempts from beyond the arc that proved to be the key to winning against the Bulldogs, who took more midrange shots.

As the Tamaraws held the lead in the second quarter, the Bulldogs sparked a comeback before the two minute-mark that tied the score at 39-all. However, back-to-back outputs from Arvin Tolentino allowed the Tamaraws to pull away with a 7-point lead as the second quarter buzzer sounded. 

By the end of the first half, the Tamaraws earned 1/3 of their points from the free throw line, making 16/18 charities. 

The third quarter opened to a fast-paced game, where Tolentino and Axel Iñigo led the scoring for the Tamaraws as they made solo runs in the quarter via outside shots. 

The Bulldogs rallied back with a 7-0 run late in the fourth period that limited the Tamaraws’ offense, but it was not enough to cut the Tamaraw’s dominant lead. 

Tolentino earned his career-high of 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Iñigo followed by chipping in 12 markers, 3 rebound and 3 assists. 

J-jay Alejandro’s consistent presence on the court allowed him to lead the Bulldogs with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Matt Aquino followed with 13 points and 3 rebounds, 2 of which are offensive.  

This win puts the Tamaraws at a 3-2 record, while the Bulldogs fall to a 2-3 record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. 

The Scores

FEU (90) – Tolentino 23, Inigo 12, Ebona 10, Comboy 9, Parker 9, Tuffin 7, Dennison 6, Orizu 6, Cani 5, Escoto 3, Ramirez 0

NU (83) – Alejandro 23, Aquino 13, Gaye 8, Yu 7, Morido 7, Salem 6, Mosqueda 6, Bartlett 4, Lastimosa 3, Joson 2, Abatayo 2, Rangel 2, Tibayan 0, Diputado 0, Flores 0, Cauilan 0

Quarter scores (FEU-NU): 22-15, 48-41, 76-68, 90-83

– Rappler.com