The Battle of the East was conquered by the Tamaraws as Bryan Sajonia commandeered the team with his 5-of-10 from threes for his career-best 17 points to end the opening quarter at 24-7.

FEU intensified its game plan as Rj Abbarinentos drained four shots all from beyond the arc for his 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds.

However, Nikko Paranada tried to stop the blazing of the Tamaraws together with Harvey Pagsanjan as both contributed twin digits each for the Red Warriors. But it was not enough as the match remained in favor of FEU with 33 points advantage in the third frame.

The game became all about the efficiency of the FEU players as Xyrus Torres joined Abbarientos with four three-pointers, Patrick Sleat scored 12 points and L-Jay Gonzales chipped in 10 points to end the game at a 30-point spread.

“For a coach, it’s always refreshing to have your players shoot that well but yun ang kailangan namin ngayon, us gaining the confidence we need going to the crucial stage of the tournament,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela.

FEU improved its 5-6 win-loss situation and tied with Adamson and will battle for the last two spots in the Final Four with the University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) securing their spot in the Finals.

The Scores: 

FEU 91 – Sajonia 17, Torres 15, Sleat 12, Abarrientos 12, Gonzales 10, Gravera 7, Tempra 5, Celzo 5, Alforque 2, Ojuola 2, Li 2, Sandagon 2, Bienes 0, Dulatre 0. 

UE 61 – N. Paranada 15, Pagsanjan 10, K. Paranada 7, Catacutan 7, Antiporda 6, Villanueva 5, Beltran 4, P. Cruz 2, Guevarra 2, J. Cruz 2, Escamis 1, Abatayo 0, Sawat 0, Tulabut 0, Lorenzana 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 24-7, 53-26, 73-40, 91-61.