The Tamaraws proved that their battle will not end that easily as they drilled a 16-point lead, 42-26 late in the first half, and even though the Green Archers made a three-pointer, FEU still commanded the end of the second frame with a 42-29 lead.

La Salle showed that they will not bow down as they turned the tables around and capped a 13-0 run with a three by Evan Nelle to take a 49-47 lead into the fourth quarter.

RJ Abbarientos of FEU saved the team as he scored 13 of his 21 points alone in the first quarter, and made his presence felt again in the last frame, crushing La Salle’s hopes with a big three with 1:33 left and a game-sealing assist for Patrick Sleat’s triple to cap a 9-2 run and make it a 66-59 game in the final 58.1 ticks.

FEU has now won three consecutive games as Xyrus Torres added 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting from distance, on top of three rebounds, while L-Jay Gonzales had nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

The Green Archers were led by Evan Nelle’s 15 points, seven boards, and five assists, while  Justine Baltazar tallied a double-double of 13 points, 16 rebounds, three dimes, and one block in the loss.

DLSU (7-5) will face Adamson (5-6) on April 28 at 4:30 pm and at 7:00 p.m. on the same day while FEU (6-6) will face Ateneo (11-0).

The Scores:

FEU 67 – Abarrientos 21, Torres 14, Sleat 10, Gonzales 9, Ojuola 4, Sajonia 3, Alforque 2, Tempra 2, Celzo 2, Sandagon 0, Bienes 0.

LA SALLE 62 – Nelle 15, Baltazar 13, Lojera 10, M. Phillips 7, Nwankwo 6, Nonoy 4, Austria 4, Cuajao 3, Manuel 0, B. Phillips 0, Cu 0, Galman 0.

Quarters: 25-15, 42-29, 47-49, 67-62.