Reigning champion Far Eastern University-Diliman survived a late De La Salle-Zobel rally, escaping with a 76-72 victory for its first win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at Adamson University Gym.
It was a hard-fought win for the Baby Tamaraws, who were coming off a crushing 56-70 defeat at the hands of the NUNS Bullpups a week ago.
But these tough games are what multi-time UAAP champion coach Allan Albano was expecting in their title defense.
“I expect a tough time in this UAAP season because everybody improved. I know that we have to grind it out every game,” said Albano, also an assistant coach in Gilas Youth.
“I told the boys after our first loss that we’re here for a marathon, not a sprint. It’s good that we were able to bounce back. I hope we sustain it throughout the season.”
Dwayne Miranda and Veejay Pre were off to a blazing start in the first half, combining for 27 of FEU’s 48 points as they led by 18 points at the tail-end of the second stanza.
In the midst of FEU-D’s run, Boris Aldeguer was slapped with two technical fouls that led to his ejection with 7:19 still to go in the second quarter.
Kieffer Alas came alive, firing on all cylinders to rally the Junior Archers back.
“I know Kieffer, he’s a good leader. I kept on reminding the boys that the fourth quarter is Kieffer’s time,” Albano said.
An Alas trey with 1:20 left cut the FEU-D lead to just one, 73-72.
However, Ken Atienza fouled Liam Salangsang as he was attempting a triple on the other end. Salangsang knocked down two of his three attempts.
A long miss by Alas coupled with two free throws for Miranda sealed the win for the Baby Tams.
Miranda ended up with 19 points while Cabs Cabonilas got 16 points and 16 rebounds. Veejay Pre also finished with a double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds.
Both FEU-D and DLSZ are now sporting 1-1 slates.
Wakee Espina led the Junior Archers with 24 points while Alas fired 19 points but was held to just 6-of-19 shooting from the field.
