MANILA -- Far Eastern University (FEU) rebounded from a slow first half to nip University of Santo Tomas, 65-57, and keep an immaculate 7-0 slate Saturday evening in the 73rd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Zamboagueno standout Ryan Roose Garcia collected 10 of the game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Morayta-based squad to its best finish since the first round of the 2005-2006 season.
The 20-year-old player also listed four boards, three steals, one assist and perfect performance on the charity stripe to his name.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na maganda ang laro ko ngayon at ng team. Nung first half nag-relax kami at sinikap talaga namin na makabawi pagpasok ng second half. Nag-improve kami sa offense at defense at buti nakabawi naman,” said Garcia.
Coach Glenn Capacio is arguably the happiest mentor in the eight-member tournament right now as he batted for more consistency in the second round which kicks off on August 12.
“Siyempre masaya kasi na-duplicate namin ang record nung 2005 pero kahit ganunpaman, kailangan pa rin doblehin ang efforts namin. Basically sa game na ito, defense talaga ang nagpanalo sa amin,” he told reporters.
Aldrech Ramos registered an all-around performance by knocking in 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one shot block an a steal while Pippou Noundou added 12 markers for FEU.
Chris Camus paced the losing effort of the Growling Tigers with 16 points on a 6-of-14 marksmanship. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)